Are You Full-Moon Sleepless?
The science behind the lunar effect on your slumber
For centuries, people have attributed all kinds of abnormal behaviors to the moon. The so-called “lunar effect” has been linked to changes in women’s menstrual cycles, induction of labor, and even aggressive behavior and psychosis. (The term “lunatic” is derived from a Latin word meaning “moonstruck.”) Insomnia or a bit of extra tossing and turning around the time of a full moon is another common complaint.
And while there’s more than enough anecdotal evidence, scientists aren’t convinced that the moon’s position in the sky causes a disruption in the ability to fall and stay asleep.
Many factors influence humans’ ability to sleep, but physiologically speaking, probably none are more influential than the internal, 24-hour clock known as the circadian rhythm. The brain’s hypothalamus controls and regulates this “clock” with the help of the eyes, which take light and darkness as cues that it’s time to stay awake or go to sleep. When it’s dark enough, the body produces melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone. When there’s light, the body suppresses melatonin production, making it harder to sleep.
Wakefulness is normal and expected when the eye is exposed to sunlight in the morning, when most people naturally wake up. But too much light at…
