and REM sleep.
These stages repeat in cycles.
As morning approaches, sleep tends to become lighter and REM periods become longer. Because you’re naturally spending more time in lighter sleep later in the night, you may be more likely to notice brief awakenings.
You might wake up, glance at the clock, and fall asleep again without even remembering it the next morning.
The problem is more significant when you wake frequently and struggle to return to sleep.
Stress Can Make You More Aware at Night
One common reason people wake during the night is stress.
When your mind is busy thinking about work, family responsibilities, finances, deadlines, or other concerns, it can be harder to maintain uninterrupted sleep.
You may wake up and immediately start thinking about everything waiting for you the next day.
That can create a frustrating cycle:
Wake up → start worrying → become more alert → struggle to fall
