Live Well Be Well with Sarah Ann Macklin | Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition Why Do You Wake Up at 2–3am? The Real Sleep Physiology Most People Miss | Dr Andy Galpin | Be Well Moments
Jan 2, 2026
Dr. Andy Galpin, a human performance scientist and expert in sleep research, dives deep into the complex world of sleep. He discusses the alarming global decline in sleep quality despite increased awareness and spending. Andy reveals that waking up around 2–3 a.m. is often linked to physiological factors like stress and high pre-sleep heart rates. He emphasizes that good sleep encompasses more than just duration, and shares practical tips for creating a personalized wind-down routine to enhance sleep quality.
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Sleep Is Getting Worse Despite More Spending
- Global sleep is worsening despite rising awareness and spending on sleep interventions.
- Multiple environmental and societal changes explain this paradox beyond simple individual behavior.
Environment Shapes Sleep Quality
- Environmental changes like increased light and indoor CO2 significantly degrade sleep quality.
- Poor ventilation and brighter nights alter sleep onset, architecture, and next-day cognition.
Modern Life Fragments Sleep Timing
- Modern lifestyle changes (city living, technology, work expectations) push bedtimes later and fragment sleep opportunities.
- Increased nighttime engagement and blurred boundaries make consistent sleep timing harder to maintain.
