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 true that astrology has an impact on sleep?
Sleeping Patterns and the Influence of Lunar Cycles The moon’s gravitational impact on the ocean’s tides, according to astronomers, could explain its influence on our sleeping patterns. Because our bodies contain up to 70% water, the moon may have an impact on the internal processes that govern sleep, mood, and equilibrium.
What planet has an impact on sleep?
When it comes to astrology, the Ascendant or Lagna is the first house in the horoscope, while the fourth, eighth, and twelfth houses represent sleep and pleasure in bed.
Saturn is the planet that has the most impact on your sleep. Sleep is also related with the Moon, Venus, and Mercury.
Water signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. These are also symptoms that you sleep a lot more than usual. In addition, the air element’s zodiac signs, Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, are all indicators of sleep.
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.
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 are the effects of retrograde on sleep?
This means we could start to feel a little worried, sleep deprived, and out of sorts as a result. When Mercury goes retrograde, the type of influence you will feel depends on which of the twelve zodiac signs Earth is in at the time. However, Mercury rules everyone’s nervous system, so you may feel more emotional and wound up than usual, which, of course, could interfere with your required eight hours of sleep.
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.
In astrology, how do you sleep?
According to Vastu for Sleeping, sleep is a precise and perfect condition of rest in which our bodies meet comfort. A tiny noise near your bed, as well as anxiety or despair, can, however, disturb your beautiful dream. The other invisible and unknown causes of your dream’s destruction will be dealt with by vastu.
Except for North, sleeping in any of the seven Vastu Directions is advised. The sleeping person is affected differently by each direction. The energy flow from each direction changes, as does the direct influence, because Vastu is founded on the principles of cosmic energy derived from planetary motions.
Which side is best for sleeping?
According to Vastu, sleeping with the head pointed north is prohibited since it might cause significant ailments and restless nights for the individual sleeping in this position.
Sleeping with your head to the south is recommended by the South Vastu Shastra. This is supposed to encourage peaceful sleep as well as an increase in household prosperity and happiness.
Sleeping with your head on your pillow is thought to increase memory, wellness, and spiritual inclination in the East. Children’s rooms should be arranged so that their Vastu for sleeping direction is east, according to Vastu Shastra consultants. As a result, you’ll be able to concentrate and retain more information.
According to vastu, sleeping in the west is also a good idea. If you sleep with your head in the west, you will gain renown, prestige, and prosperity.
Tips On The Best Vastu Bed Direction
- The headboard of your bed in the master bedroom should face south or west. As you sleep, this will ensure that your toes are pointing north or east.
- The optimal posture for your head while sleeping is south. As a result, you’ll be able to move your bed around as needed. According to Vastu, this place is associated with riches, happiness, and, most importantly, the best quality of sleep.
- In a children’s bedroom, the headboard should ideally face east. As a result, youngsters benefit from the arrangement, which improves their health and attentiveness.
- Sleep with your head in the west and your feet in the east if you want to be wealthy and renowned.
- Designing the guest bedroom or children’s bedroom in the north-west direction is a good idea.
- Place the bed in the center of the room. Avoid placing the bed near sharp wall corners or directly beneath a beam.
- There should be no mirrors or doors in front of the bed.
- Avoid putting windows behind the bed since this is bad Vastu.
- It’s not a good idea to put the headboard against the frame. Although windows provide natural light and air, they might cause sleep disturbances. One solution is to hang heavy curtains.
Is the Mercury retrograde in 2021 going to impair your sleep?
Mercury retrograde has no scientific evidence of affecting your sleep. The belief that Mercury retrograde would interfere with your daily life, on the other hand, may cause a placebo effect, or rather, a nocebo effect.
The distinction is that a placebo makes you believe you’re experiencing positive effects, whereas a nocebo makes you believe you’re experiencing negative consequences.
If you’re concerned about the unpleasant emotions that Mercury retrograde might bring, that anxiety could lead to sleep issues. This is because you’re internalizing any problems caused by Mercury retrograde’s antics, rather than processing them in a healthy or constructive manner.
For those who suffer from anxiety at night on a daily basis, this may seem all too familiar. It can be difficult to get a decent night’s sleep when your mind is racing or distracted with stress. It doesn’t have to be that way, though.