You toss and turn, unable tofall asleepand wondering why.
Then you peek behind your curtain and see a full moon shining bright.
Its a common experience that might leave you wondering if a full moon actually does affect sleep.
michaelgwilson / Getty Images
This creates the bright orb we associate with the full moon.
The opposite of a full moon is a new moon.
From our vantage point, it looks like there is no moon on those nights.
The Science
Anecdotally, nearly everyone has experienceddisrupted sleepduring a full moon or knows someone who has.
Surprisingly, science backs this phenomenon up, showing that a full moon does cause people to sleep less.
Heres what researchers have found:
Scientists arent exactly sure why the moon might impact sleep.
A small study reported thatmenstrual cyclesmight align with the moon, mainly when exposure to artificial light was limited.
Some research has indicated that episodes ofmental health illnessand of violence may increase during the full moon.
Instead, relax quietly in another area of your home until you feel sleepy.
Summary
The idea that a full moon can disrupt sleep isnt just an old wives tale.
Tides are higher during full moons, and people get less sleep on nights with full moons.
Scientists are still working to understand the impact of a full moon fully.
A full moon occurs every 29.5 days.
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DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe0465
Shoes, Sarah.Do moon phases affect your sleep?Sleep Foundation.
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DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe1358
BBC.The mood-altering powers of the moon.
National Sleep Foundation.Healthy sleep tips.
