I’ve never been a good sleeper.

I attribute this to three factors. The first is I drink entirely too much caffeine.  I highly doubt there is a time during the day when I am not sipping a coffee or a soda. Another factor is that I sleep with the television turned on. Go ahead and judge, but you try and turn off “Groundhog Day” in the middle of the night. The third factor keeping me awake is the unfortunate fact I come up with ideas for this blog around that very time. Instead of waiting till the morning, I feel the need to start writing immediately.

O'Donnell

I’ve reconciled myself with the notion that getting eight hours of sleep a night is not in the cards for me. I do however cling to one goal when it comes to my nightly rest: I always try to be asleep between the hours of three and four a.m. I’ve made this goal, because I have no desire to be awake during “The Devil’s Hour.”

Many have heard of the term “The Devil’s Hour,” but may not be certain what it actually means. “The Devil’s Hour” refers to the time of night when malevolent spirits and demons are the most active. The website hubpages.com warns demons are not to be taken lightly. The site describes the creatures as “bringers of pestilence and disease, corruptors of innocence, and champions of all sin.”

There is  a reason behind “The Devil’s Hour” taking place between the hour of 3 and 4 a. m.  In Catholic belief, it is said that Jesus was crucified at 3 p.m. The adverse of this time, being 3 a.m., is believed when Satan’s demons are the most powerful and likely to communicate with humans and mock the idea of Jesus Christ’s return.

“The Devil’s Hour” has cropped up in popular culture lately, particularly on film.  In the 2005 movie “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” the hour of 3 a.m. brings about Satan’s demons to stop the lead character’s watch and shake her windows. Also, observant audiences will notice the presence of “The Devil’s Hour” in 2007′s “Paranormal Activity.”  The film is shot from the point of view of a camera set up by one of the central characters. Through this cinematic device, the audience can see the camera’s time-mark in the corner of the screen. This provides detail as to when the “footage” was captured. When the central couple of “Paranormal Activity” experiences the most active disturbances, it occurs during “The Devil’s Hour.”

When it comes to “The Devil’s Hour,” I find it hard to express how much of it I believe.  I have my questions, but in no way do I feel comfortable proclaiming “The Devil’s Hour” as false.

Go ahead and blame it on my eight years of Catholic schooling, but if you ask me, I say I am just being safe.  It does not matter to me if there is any validity to “The Devil’s Hour,” because  I have no desire to risk inviting an angry demon into my home.

As a public service to all the insomniacs, the paranormal occurrence of “The Devil’s Hour” needs to be highlighted.  No one wants their late night viewing of the Food Network to be rudely interrupted by pesky demons disturbing their home. Next time you find yourself awake between the hour of three and four a.m. please be mindful that you may not be alone. The visitors you may get during “The Devil’s Hour” want much more than your late night snack.

—Jordan O’Donnell