The supposed effects that a full moon has on us and our environment has long been the subject of controversy. For example, werewolves make an appearance, it drives people into a state of lunacy (it is no mistake that the root of the word lunacy is "luna"). These are fun theories to contemplate, but what about realistic questions? Can a full moon have any effect on the way we sleep?
Related Blog: How Sleep Can Affect Your Health
We already know through science that the subtle phases of the moon affect important things such as the tide, so it is not unreasonable to look into other matters. Some evidence does seem to suggest that not only on the night of a full moon, but a couple of days on either side of it, can indeed affect our sleep patterns. Some people have reported increased insomnia and sleepwalking during this period.
In a study conducted in the year 2000 by the University of Basel, the Switzerland Centre for Sleep Medicine, and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, some effects were confirmed. The study tracked 33 volunteers over a 3 year period. It was determined that the subjects averaged 5 minutes longer to fall asleep during the full moon and surrounding days period, they slept 20 minutes less than on other nights, they felt less refreshed upon awakening, and their melatonin levels were lower.
So do the results of this study prove that a certain phase of the moon affects our otherwise peaceful slumber? Not really. Many of the things that we experience in our day-to-day activity are related to our circadian systems that have evolved over the centuries. To imply that the full moon itself is directly related may very well be a classic non sequitur; the relation may be coincidental at best.
But does it really matter? Not really. In the long run the effect is the same whether it be the phase of the moon or programming etched into your DNA. The best things that you can do to avoid the negative effects (and a case of lunacy) is to sleep on a quality mattress that is the most comfortable for you, have light-blocking drapes in your bedroom, and avoid caffeine for several hours before bedtime.
