Buzz
Ever found yourself wide awake at 3 AM? This mysterious time is often referred to as “The Devil’s Hour” or, in folklore, “The Witching Hour,” a period believed to be when supernatural occurrences are most frequent. In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the Bard penned: “‘Tis now the very witching time of night, When churchyards yawn, and hell itself breathes out.”
Tales of The Devil’s Hour span across Anglo-American, Native American, and Hispanic cultures, but what makes this hour so intriguing and terrifying? The explanations for this phenomenon are a blend of scientific reasoning and eerie superstition.
10. Satanic Symbolism
The significance of 3 AM as The Devil’s Hour lies in its opposition to the time of Christ’s death. According to the Bible, Jesus was crucified at 9 AM, and darkness fell over the land from noon until His death at 3 PM, when Matthew exclaimed: “It is finished.” Thus, 3 AM is seen as a mocking inversion of this sacred moment, symbolizing the devil and dark forces, much like an inverted cross often depicted in satanic-themed horror films.
In Christianity, the number three holds sacred significance, representing the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. If you suddenly wake up at 3 AM, it’s often thought that the devil has made a direct appearance to you.
9. The Craft of Witchcraft
The phrase “The Witching Hour” originated in 1560, attributed to Pope Pius IV. As diseases spread uncontrollably, people, unable to comprehend the cause, began accusing others of practicing witchcraft. This led to mass hysteria and betrayal, as individuals reported those they suspected of engaging in dark rituals.
It was widely thought that witches were most powerful during the Witching Hour. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, over 60,000 people were executed during the witch trials. The Old Testament’s book of Exodus (22:18) explicitly states: “Thou shalt not permit a sorceress to live.” Accused individuals faced execution by burning, hanging, or beheading. Another method, dunking, involved submerging the accused in water; sinking meant innocence, while floating confirmed guilt. Today, with greater understanding, the Witching Hour is more commonly referred to as the Devil’s Hour.
8. The Amityville Horror
One of the world’s most notorious horror tales stems from a real-life tragedy. On November 13th, 1974, at 3 AM, Ronald “Butch” DeFeo, Jr. used a .35 Marlin lever-action rifle to murder his parents and four siblings as they slept. Later that evening at 6 PM, he entered a nearby bar, shouting, “You got to help me! I think my mother and father are shot!” The killings occurred at 112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, Long Island, now infamous as the Amityville Horror house.
The circumstances of the murders were bizarre—neighbors reported hearing no gunshots, and none of the victims woke during the shootings. Each family member was found face down in bed, with no evidence of resistance. DeFeo claimed to have heard voices and was in a trance-like state, stating, “Once I started, I just couldn’t stop. It went so fast.” This reinforced the belief in 3 AM as the devil’s hour. DeFeo was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder and received a life sentence.
7. The Tale of La Mala Hora
A chilling urban legend from New Mexico, La Mala Hora, translates to “The Evil Hour” or “The Bad Hour.” It tells of an evil spirit that appears at 3 AM, haunting solitary travelers. Described as an old woman with a demonic face, encountering her is said to foretell the death of a loved one. Those venturing through remote rural areas are warned of her terrifying presence.
The legend’s origins are thought to deter nighttime travel, serving as a cautionary tale. La Mala Hora’s presence in secluded, dark areas symbolizes the supernatural’s lurking danger, particularly during the ominous hour of 3 AM.
6. Ray Bradbury’s Literary Work
In Ray Bradbury’s 1962 novel, *Something Wicked This Way Comes*, the story revolves around a sinister carnival leader named “Mr. Dark,” a malevolent figure who thrives by draining the life force of his victims. The novel highlights the eerie significance of 3 AM, as Bradbury writes:
“Oh God, midnight isn’t so bad—you wake and drift back to sleep. One or two AM is tolerable; you toss but eventually rest again. By five or six, there’s hope, as dawn approaches. But three, oh Christ, three AM!
Doctors claim the body hits its lowest point then. The soul feels absent, the blood flows sluggishly. You’re closer to death than ever, save for the moment of dying itself. Sleep is a small taste of death, but three in the morning, wide awake and staring, is like living death!”
The novel also mentions that more deaths occur in hospitals at 3 AM than at any other time, reinforcing the belief in its sinister nature. While this claim remains unverified, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that approximately 55% of drunk driving accidents happen between midnight and 3 AM.
5. Sleep Maintenance Insomnia
Waking up during The Devil’s Hour could indicate sleep maintenance insomnia, often caused by fluctuations in melatonin levels. Individuals with this condition frequently wake between 3 AM and 4 AM. This phenomenon is also associated with depression in adults, which may explain the overwhelming sense of dread or doom experienced during this time, contributing to those eerie feelings.
To avoid disrupted sleep, experts recommend avoiding caffeine and stimulants, maintaining a regular exercise routine, and adopting a balanced diet.
4. Increased Empathy and Stress Sensitivity
Interestingly, those who believe in ghosts or report frequent paranormal encounters tend to exhibit higher levels of empathy. Research comparing individuals with supernatural experiences to skeptics or those without such encounters found that the former group scored significantly higher on empathy scales.
Another reason for experiencing nighttime apparitions could be stress-induced altered sensations in the brain. This phenomenon often explains why many widows report ghostly visits from deceased loved ones, as they endure extreme stress and grief. When you wake up startled in the dark, your mind, overwhelmed by stress, may perceive sinister shapes or movements that aren’t truly there.
3. Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)
Research by Roger Ekirch suggests that nighttime awakenings are more likely caused by household appliances than paranormal activity. Devices like cell phones, TVs, stereos, and air conditioners emit electromagnetic fields (EMF), and many of these are placed near our sleeping areas. The light from cell phones disrupts melatonin production, the hormone regulating sleep cycles. Late-night screen time reduces melatonin levels, leading to restless sleep. Additionally, electronic devices keep the brain alert, increasing the likelihood of misinterpreting shadows or movements as paranormal activity.
Ghost hunters often use EMF meters to detect paranormal presence. Unexplained spikes on the meter indicate potential hotspots for supernatural activity.
2. Debunking the 8-Hour Sleep Myth
Historian Roger Ekirch offers a more scientific explanation for The Devil’s Hour. His 16-year sleep study revealed that the concept of an 8-hour sleep is a modern invention. Historically, our ancestors slept in two distinct phases: a few hours after dusk, followed by a waking period of one to two hours, and then a second sleep.
Rather than lying in bed fearing ghosts or demons, people would stay active during their waking period. Activities included reading, writing, praying, or even intimacy with their partners. In 16th-century France, this time was considered ideal for conception. This biphasic sleep pattern is also referenced in the Early English ballad, “Old Robin of Portingale,” which states: “And at the wakening of your first sleepe You shall have a hott drinke made, And at the wakening of your next sleepe Your sorrowes will have a slake.”
1. The Viral 3 AM Challenge Trend
The Devil’s Hour inspired an online trend called “The 3 AM Challenge,” where creators filmed themselves waking up at this hour to capture paranormal activity. Videos ranged from participants sitting scared in the dark to pranksters frightening their housemates. The trend gained such popularity that even children as young as five were found participating, much to their parents’ shock.
Search engine data shows the trend peaked between May and August 2017. While it eventually faded, it left many children terrified. Kids and teens are more prone to “seeing” ghosts due to their vivid imaginations and differing perceptions compared to adults.
