
Mon Mar 17 13:50:15 UTC 2025: ## Waking Up at 2 AM? Doctor Says It Could Signal Underlying Health Issue
**New York, NY** – Dr. Eric Berg, a prominent health and wellness expert with over 13 million YouTube subscribers, is urging individuals who consistently wake up between 2 and 3 AM to seek medical attention. In a recent video, Dr. Berg explains that this could indicate an underlying health problem related to cortisol levels.
Cortisol, a stress hormone, naturally dips to its lowest point around 2 AM. However, if cortisol levels spike instead, it can disrupt sleep and lead to nocturnal awakenings. Dr. Berg shared his own experience of reversed circadian rhythm, where his cortisol was high at 2 AM and low at 8 AM, highlighting the impact this can have on daily life.
The doctor suggests that a magnesium deficiency may be a contributing factor. Magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating cortisol levels and promoting muscle relaxation. Dr. Berg recommends magnesium glycinate as a supplement to help lower cortisol and alleviate stress, particularly noting that muscle tightness, especially in the back or toes, can be a sign of magnesium deficiency.
He further explains that low magnesium levels in the body’s tissues around 6 AM may contribute to health problems like heart attacks and strokes. While research on the link between magnesium, cortisol, and stress response shows mixed results, Dr. Berg emphasizes the importance of consulting a physician if you suspect a magnesium deficiency or experience persistent nocturnal awakenings between 2 and 3 AM. He advises taking magnesium glycinate at night to help regulate cortisol and improve sleep quality. The video detailing his advice can be viewed on his YouTube channel.