You’re not necessarily a crazy if you were tossing and turning and shrieking at your pillow this week, at least not in the literal meaning of the word. Your lack of sleep could be due to the recent full moon. Even if the moon isn’t shining in their window, people take longer to go asleep, sleep less deeply, and sleep for a shorter period of time in the days leading up to a full moon, according to a recent study.
“‘Yeah, I already knew that,’ a lot of people will say. ‘I can never get a good night’s sleep during a full moon.’ But this is the first evidence that backs it up “Christian Cajochen, a biologist from the University of Basel in Switzerland, is the lead author of the new study. “There had been a lot of research done before, but a lot of it was inconclusive.”
Moon cycles have long been connected to people’s sleep patterns, temperament, and even violence, according to anecdotal evidence. However, previous studies of possible lunar effects have been marred by statistical flaws, biases, or inconsistent procedures, according to Cajochen.
He and his colleagues had gathered thorough data on the sleep habits of 33 healthy volunteers between 2000 and 2003 for a separate study on the impact of aging on sleep. In a controlled laboratory setting, they monitored how deep and long each participant’s nightly sleep was using electroencephalograms (EEGs), which measure brain activity. Years later, the scientists were drinking in a pub during a full moon and came up with the idea of revisiting the data to see if there were any similarities with lunar cycles.
“What’s wonderful about this study is that it uses data that wasn’t initially meant for this purpose, so you know there can’t be any bias,” says neuroscientist Kristin Tessmar-Raible of Vienna’s Max F. Perutz Laboratories, who was not involved in the current research.
The researchers discovered a remarkable link between poor sleep and lunar cycles when they looked into how sleep patterns altered during moon cycles. According to the EEG, participants took 5 minutes longer to fall asleep, slept 20 minutes less every night, and had 30% less deep sleep in the days before and following a full moon. Furthermore, when a poll conducted around the full moon, the volunteers reported lower sleep, according to the researchers, who published their findings online today in Current Biology.
“This work demonstrated that a correlation between the human sleep cycle and moon phases can be detected, which clearly suggests that there is some form of synchronization,” Tessmar-Raible said. “And now the question is, what is the mechanism that is causing this?”
Increased light levels aren’t having the effect, at least not totally, because the individuals couldn’t see the moon. It’s more likely regulated only in part by light or other external elements, and sustained by internal hormones, such as people’s 24-hour sleep-wake cycles, which continue even in the absence of light or darkness, according to Cajochen. “Light could be key in synchronizing this biological clock with environmental cues in terms of the moon cycle,” Cajochen explains. “However, the clock continues to tick regardless of the presence of light.”
Scientists may set up additional controlled tests to evaluate how physiology and brain activity varies across the 29.5-day lunar cycle to test that theory, he says. Studies on animals with lunar-synchronized mating or migration patterns could reveal the underlying biological mechanisms as well as the evolutionary benefit of having a moon-synchronized clock. Whatever the mechanism, the inconsistency of sleep around the full moon may have contributed to the genesis of the word lunatic, which comes from the Latin word lunatus, which means “moonstruck.”
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Is it possible that the moon had an impact on my sleep last night?
In the natural world, the influence of the moon on biological cycles is extensively documented. Lunar cycles may influence tree diameter, crab reproductive patterns, spawning events on the Great Barrier Reef, and owl monkey nighttime activities, among other things. The research on how moon phases influence humans is less obvious. Most studies are tiny and the results are uneven.
Nonetheless, there is solid evidence that lunar cycles can interrupt sleep, with the full moon being the most disruptive.
Using many measurements, one sleep study discovered that the full moon was related with poor sleep. Participants took five minutes longer to fall asleep, slept for 20 minutes less, took longer to attain REM sleep, had a 30% reduction in deep sleep, and reported poor sleep quality during this lunar phase.
Another study discovered that during the full moon, overall sleep time was reduced by 25 minutes, while arousals and awakenings rose. Participants in this study, on the other hand, took longer to achieve REM during the new moon, which contradicts previous studies. A third study looked at data from 319 persons who took part in a one-night sleep study. Those that were watched during a full moon slept less efficiently, slept less deeply, and took longer to enter REM sleep.
Researchers investigated sleep habits in three indigenous Argentinian groups and 464 American college students living in a major city in possibly the most comprehensive study on the subject. In the week leading up to the full moon, all groups went asleep later and slept for shorter time, regardless of location or amount of artificial light exposure.
Which planet is linked to sleep?
- Saturn is the planet of sleep, according to astrology. When Saturn is in a strong position in the horoscope, it bestows a wonderful sleeping pattern on the individual.
- The planets Moon, Venus, and Mercury, when in a favorable position, provide restful slumber.
- A person is rewarded with a pleasant sleeping pattern when favourable planets are positioned in the 8th house of astrology.
- Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius natives have an excellent night’s sleep. It is extremely rare for such folks to have trouble sleeping.
- If you live near a water source, you are more likely to sleep well. A well, a pond, a river, or the sea, for example, can be used as a water source.
Is my sleep being influenced by the planets?
We’ve all heard that the universe has an impact on the planet in some form, from tides to human behavior. However, many individuals are unaware that the universe has an impact on our sleep patterns during particular planetary alignments and seasons. So, the next time you’re worried about a sleep problem or condition, have a peek at what’s going on in the cosmos to see if it’s just a passing phase.
It should come as no surprise that drowsy eyes are more common in the winter than in the summer. When it comes to sleeping, studies demonstrate that people and animals follow the celestial patterns of the sky. As a result, the shorter days and longer nights of the winter months allow us to rest and hibernate in preparation for the hot summer months. As a result, it should come as no surprise that animals hibernate in the winter because it is their normal biological pattern.
Those who live in overcast climes may experience acute exhaustion and tiredness during the day. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs when the brain’s hormone output is disrupted by clouds and gloomy weather. When the sun is obscured by clouds, the brain produces more melatonin instead of serotonin, indicating that it is time to sleep. Melatonin secretion may be disturbed and not secreted on a regular basis during the night.
During the 24 hour time period, each planet goes through the houses in astrological words. The sun passes through Gemini’s house, which governs communication and mental activity, about midnight. As a result, some people may have a “watchful sleep,” in which they wake up from deep REM sleep and enter a thoughtful, reflective state of sleep.
The sun signifies consciousness in astrology. Every two hours, the sun enters a new astrological house. As a result, the sign associated with the sun has an impact on our mind.
Our sleep is influenced by Mercury, Jupiter, and the Moon. Mercury is the planet that governs the nerves and the brain. The moon is in charge of our emotions, heart, and stomach, while Jupiter is in charge of our liver and lungs. People’s sleep patterns might be interrupted by the harsh energies presented by the planets during retrograde or unfavourable planetary configurations.
In order to get back on track to a healthy and happy sleep, insomniacs must reset their circadian cycle. The biological clock is reset when light indicates to the brain that it is time to wake up. Spending time outside in the sunlight or utilizing an artificial light therapy lamp to tell the brain that it’s time to start the day is an excellent strategy.
Is the moon cycle related to sleep?
1 November 2021 Accidents and other weird events are said to occur more frequently during a full moon, according to urban mythology. While the evidence does not support this, a new study reveals that people sleep differently during different phases of the moon.
The time when the moon reaches its highest point in the sky moves from midday to near midnight as its brightness grows daily from a new moon to a full moon. After a full moon, the opposite occurs, with the brightness falling each night. A group of researchers from Sweden’s Uppsala University studied people’s sleeping habits as the moon phases changed.
They looked examined data from 852 persons in three separate trials that measured adult participants over the course of one night of sleep.
The researchers discovered that on evenings when the moon was waxing, or brightening, study participants slept a little less than on nights when the moon was waning.
The men in the study, which took place from 2016 to 2018, appeared to be more sensitive to the moon. They slept roughly 21 minutes less on waxing nights, compared to 12 minutes fewer for the women in the other two groups. On waxing evenings, men also slept less soundly and stayed awake for an additional 14 minutes after falling asleep. Neither effect was felt by women.
Despite the fact that the researchers took into account participant age and the season in which they had their sleep tests, it’s vital to remember that the study is still based on a single night of sleep from each participant, with home monitoring. In addition, the three studies took place at various dates, with women’s studies taking place from 2001 to 2004 and men’s studies taking place from 2016 to 2018. In terms of technology and social media usage, a lot has happened in the last few years.
However, the findings suggest that the moon may have a minor impact on human sleep. Moonlight is a reflection of sunlight that alters melatonin levels, a hormone that indicates the start of the night and sleep cycle. Full moons have been linked to decreased levels of melatonin and testosterone in men, as well as increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, according to previous research.
What is the meaning of lunar insomnia?
Have you ever found it difficult to fall or remain asleep with a full moon? This is surprisingly prevalent, and sufferers have coined the term “lunar insomnia” to describe it.
While it may be a coincidence that your bouts of restlessness correspond with full moons, there may be a link between the lunar cycle and your body clock. This isn’t surprising, given that the moon has long been known to have an impact on Earth’s processes. The moon may have a much deeper connection to our lives on our planet than we might believe, from controlling the tides to influencing animal behavior patterns. Could it, however, be the source of your insomnia?
(Listen to Jasmin Harsono, Emerald and Tiger’s Spiritual Healer, speak about the moon’s power here.)
Does lunar insomnia exist?
According to a study published in the Journal of Sleep Research from Switzerland, this is the case. Researchers investigated the relationship between lunar phases and sleep in this study. They studied the sleep patterns of 31 people over a six-week period that encompassed two full moons. Participants slept in a sterile setting and were required to keep a sleep diary for the duration of the trial.
They discovered that during full moon phases, individuals slept for shorter durations of time and found it more difficult to get and stay asleep. While the difference was minor, with participants sleeping around 20 minutes less on average during a full moon, the findings clearly demonstrated a link between the lunar cycle and sleep. So, if you’re having trouble falling and staying asleep, or if you’re sleeping a lot less at this time, you’re not alone.
Sleep patterns are influenced by moon phases
According to another sleep study, the full moon is linked to poor sleep. People took five minutes longer to fall asleep on average, took longer to enter deep REM sleep, reported lower sleep quality, and had a 30% reduction in deep sleep overall.
Why does the moon affect your sleep?
Now that we’ve looked at how the moon impacts your sleep, it’s vital to understand why, because there may be ways to mitigate the effect.
According to the Swiss study, our human genetics may be to blame for our findings. Scientists believe that both men and women have a hormone cycle that corresponds to the moon cycle, and that this hormonal fluctuation is what disrupts sleep.
However, it’s possible that the full moon’s enhanced brightness is also to blame for your lack of sleep. During a full moon, participants in a 2021 study of indigenous Toba/Qom tribes in Argentina stayed awake longer and slept for shorter periods of time. They speculated that this was due to the increased amount of light that happens during these times, allowing the people to continue working late into the night.
It’s certainly likely that this demonstrates a relationship between sleep and the moon in evolutionary terms. Because people who don’t have access to artificial light rely on the moon to regulate their sleep cycles, it’s plausible that we still have this relationship in our bodies, even in metropolitan settings.
How to get enough sleep during a full moon
Whatever the link between the moon and your sleeping habits is, getting a lousy night’s sleep isn’t ideal. Fortunately, no matter what the lunar phase, there are a few things you can take to reduce the impact and obtain a better night’s sleep.
Minimise light
Because it’s very possible that the moonlight is keeping you awake, it’s a good idea to dim the light as much as possible. Investing in a pair of blackout curtains or a blind will help keep this light out of your bedroom, as well as any extra artificial light from street lighting. Another excellent option is to wear an eye mask.
Remember that you can have a few light distractions in your bedroom that are keeping you awake as well. Switch off all devices and chargers that could keep you awake to get the finest night’s sleep.
Try something relaxing
The placebo effect can have a big impact on your mind and body. If you go to bed anticipating to have a restless night owing to the full moon, you may end up with a restless night. Set yourself up for a good night’s sleep by incorporating something calming into your bedtime routine. This might be anything from a warm bubble bath to reading a book to devoting some additional time to a relaxing skincare routine. Whatever you can do to assist your mind and body relax will be beneficial.
Invest in a comfortable bed
Do you find yourself tossing and turning in bed? It’s possible that it’s not the moon at all. Because an old, worn, or just uncomfortable mattress can have a big impact on your sleep quality, it’s critical that you invest in the proper one for a restful night’s sleep.
Take a look at the firmness rating while looking for the greatest mattress, since this will affect the level of support your body receives. Your preferred firmness rating will be determined solely by your preferences, but your sleeping position can serve as a useful suggestion. We normally recommend a medium to firm mattress for back and front sleepers, while side sleepers should search for something a little softer. Choosing a mattress with additional features, such as an orthopaedic mattress or one with a cooling gel mixed into the filling, is another something to think about.
Coast Road Furniture’s Interiors Director, Alison Hughes, explains: “While there isn’t a definitive cause for lunar insomnia, it’s undeniable that some people have a harder time sleeping during a full moon. Taking measures to achieve a better night’s sleep can do wonders for your sleep health during this time, whether it’s due to evolutionary factors or the increased quantity of light.
“Blackout blinds, drapes, and eye masks can help you sleep better by blocking out light distractions that keep you up at night. It’s also critical that you get the appropriate mattress and bedding. It’s ideal to have something that supports you at all of your pressure points, since this can assist relieve and avoid back pain, which can disrupt your sleep.
“Even the prospect of a bad night’s sleep can be upsetting, so having a relaxing nighttime routine might help you relax and drift off. Soothing aromas like lavender and chamomile can assist, so look for a candle, room spray, bubble bath, or skincare product that contains these herbs.
“Even if you don’t have lunar insomnia, having a calming routine and setting the ideal sleep environment might help you obtain a better night’s sleep. Give one or two of these a try, and you could find that you wake up feeling more energized and ready to take on the day.
Why am I having trouble sleeping tonight?
You must become a sleep detective in order to properly treat and cure your insomnia. Half of all insomnia instances are caused by emotional difficulties such as stress, anxiety, and sadness. However, your daily activities, sleep schedule, and physical health could all play a part. Try to figure out what’s causing your insomnia. Once you’ve figured out what’s causing the problem, you can adapt your treatment accordingly.
What’s causing your insomnia?
- Do you have a lot of pressure on your shoulders?
- Do you have a bad mood? Do you feel despondent or emotionally flat?
- Do you suffer from anxiety or worry on a regular basis?
- Have you recently experienced a distressing event?
- Are there any medications you’re taking that might be influencing your sleep?
- Do you have any health issues that are preventing you from sleeping?
- Is your bedroom peaceful and relaxing?
- Do you make an effort to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day?
Common psychological and medical causes of insomnia
Insomnia can last only a few days and then go on its own, especially when it is linked to a clearly transient reason, such as tension over a pending presentation, a terrible breakup, or jet lag. When insomnia strikes, it can be debilitating. Chronic insomnia is usually caused by a mental or physical problem.
Chronic insomnia is caused by a variety of factors, including anxiety, stress, and depression. Anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms can all be exacerbated by a lack of sleep. Anger, worry, grief, bipolar disorder, and trauma are all typical emotional and psychological factors. It’s critical to address these underlying issues if you want to get rid of your insomnia.
Illness or medical issues. Asthma, allergies, Parkinson’s disease, hyperthyroidism, acid reflux, kidney illness, and cancer are just a few of the medical ailments and diseases that can cause insomnia. Insomnia is frequently caused by chronic discomfort.
Medications. Antidepressants, ADHD stimulants, corticosteroids, thyroid hormone, high blood pressure meds, and certain contraceptives are among the medications that might disrupt sleep. Cold and flu drugs containing alcohol, pain relievers including caffeine (Midol, Excedrin), diuretics, and slimming pills are also common over-the-counter causes.
Sleep disturbances. Insomnia is a sleep disorder in and of itself, but it can also be a symptom of others, such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and circadian rhythm disruptions caused by jet lag or late-night shift work.
Insomnia
Stress, jet lag, a health condition, the prescriptions you take, or even the amount of coffee you consume can all contribute to insomnia, or the inability to get to sleep or sleep properly at night. Other sleep problems, as well as mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, can cause insomnia.
Whatever the source of your insomnia, improving your sleep hygiene, changing your daytime behaviors, and learning to relax will help you overcome it without the need for sleep specialists or prescription or over-the-counter sleeping medicines in the majority of situations.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a common (and treatable) sleep disease in which your breathing stops for a short period of time while you sleep, causing you to wake up frequently. You may not recall these awakenings if you have sleep apnea, but you will likely feel tired, irritated, and unhappy during the day, and your productivity will suffer as a result. Sleep apnea is a serious and sometimes fatal sleep disorder, so consult a doctor as soon as possible and learn how to help yourself.