Waking up suddenly at 3:00 a.m. and staring at the clock can feel discouraging — especially when it happens often. Many adults over 60 notice this pattern. In most cases, it’s not a coincidence or a sign of a serious health issue. Instead, it usually reflects normal biological shifts, lifestyle habits, and emotional changes that come with aging.

Understanding the reasons behind these early-morning awakenings can make it easier to improve sleep — and approach this stage of life with greater calm and clarity.

1. A natural drop in melatonin

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