Dog wakening overnight

[tableanadchairs]

Our cocker spaniel is almost 10 and sleeps either at top of stairs or under the bed. For the last few months he has been wakening me about 4am every night like clockwork - almost to check I am still alive - then after l a pat his head and talk to him for a few minutes he goes back to his bed.
Is this anxiety? Nothing has changed and l am at a loss to explain the situation.
He seems otherwise well.
Any ideas

Mine sleeps on my bed and he often gets up and checks on me before slumping back down.

Any change in behaviour requires a vet check, really.

But like @BiteyShark says, my dog sleeps in the bed and comes and "checks" on us through the night