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For the last five days, I’ve woken up at exactly 2:46 AM. Not 2:45. Not 2:47. Just…2:46. Like clockwork. No alarm, no noise, no dog barking (though that would make more sense). Just me, eyes open, brain spinning, body still.

So what’s going on?

I started Googling, because of course I did. You type in “waking up at the same time every night” and suddenly you’re down a rabbit hole of spiritual awakenings, liver detox hours, and weird TikTok theories about portals. Don’t worry, I ruled out demonic possession…I think.

Here’s what I’ve learned…and what I’m starting to believe:

1. The Brain Knows When You’re Stressed

Whether you admit it or not, your body keeps score. For me, the weight of life – work deadlines, house chores piling up, trying to be present for my family while still showing up for myself, feels heavier at night. So when I finally sleep, my brain decides 2:46 AM is the perfect time for a performance review.

2. The “Liver Time” Theory

According to traditional Chinese medicine, between 1 AM and 3 AM is when your liver is working hardest…detoxing, processing, and supposedly surfacing repressed emotions. And given that I have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease from my diabetes, that one hit a little too close to home. Maybe my body’s waving a flag, trying to get my attention.

3. A Nudge from the Universe?

Some believe waking at a specific time is spiritual—like your soul is being nudged. Maybe you’re being asked to pray, reflect, or finally listen to something your gut’s been whispering. If that’s the case, I’d love it if the universe could nudge me around 7:00 AM…after caffeine.

4. Or Maybe…It’s Just the ADHD

Let’s be real…my brain doesn’t stop. It doesn’t “power down” like normal people’s brains. It naps in loops. It spins in spirals. So waking up at 2:46 AM might just be my brain’s version of saying, “Hey girl, remember that thing you forgot to do yesterday? Let’s overanalyze it now.”

So what do I do with this?

For now, I’m leaning in. If I’m waking up, maybe there’s something I’m supposed to notice, feel, write, or pray about. Or maybe it’s just a season. Either way, I’ve decided not to fight it, but I will start keeping a notebook nearby. Because if my 2:46 AM wake-up call has a message…I’m finally ready to listen.

Or at least journal it…after I stare at the ceiling for 23 minutes trying to remember what day it is.