Does the full moon affect your sleep?

Many people report sleeping worse during a full moon. Perhaps you recognize it yourself: you toss and turn in bed, stare endlessly at the ceiling, and wake up exhausted in the morning. But how much of this is true? Is the full moon really a disruptor of your sleep, or is it primarily a matter of mindset? In this blog, we delve into the science and myths surrounding the full moon and sleep.

The magic of the full moon: an age-old phenomenon

The full moon has always captured the imagination. From ancient folk tales to modern astrology, the moon is seen as a powerful natural phenomenon. People used to believe that the moon influenced behavior, emotions, and even physical processes. Especially during a full moon, we were thought to have more energy, be restless, or... sleep poorly.

But how much of this is based on facts? To understand this better, we first need to look at how our sleep actually works.

How does sleep work and what is melatonin?

Sleep is a complex process regulated by a 'biological clock' in your brain. This clock monitors your day-night rhythm, known as the circadian rhythm. An important hormone in this process is melatonin, also called the 'sleep hormone'.

Melatonin makes you sleepy when it's dark. Your body starts producing this hormone as evening approaches, and it usually peaks around midnight. But light can disrupt this process. Think of the blue light from your phone, but also the natural light of a full moon.

Can the light of the full moon disrupt your sleep?

A full moon is bright, and on a clear night, the moonlight can be remarkably intense. In the past, when there was no artificial light, this would have had a significant impact. Bright moonlight could cause people to produce less melatonin, which negatively affected their sleep.

But nowadays, we have curtains, blackout blinds, and electric lights. Right? You'd think that the moon's effect would therefore be minimal. However, some studies show that the moon can have an influence even independently of light.

What does science say about the full moon and sleep?

Scientists have conducted several studies on the moon's influence on sleep. A Swiss study from 2013 showed that people slept an average of 20 minutes less during a full moon and also had shallower sleep. Melatonin production was lower during these nights, even in completely darkened rooms.

Other studies, however, find no conclusive evidence. Some experts argue that we primarily talk ourselves into worse sleep behavior during a full moon. If you believe you will sleep worse, you will experience it more quickly.

Fun fact: animals and the full moon

Not only humans seem sensitive to the full moon. Animals often exhibit different behavior too. For example, predators like lions are more active during a full moon because they can see better in the light. But nocturnal animals like owls are quieter.

Sleeping poorly: is it due to the moon or you?

If you notice that you often sleep poorly during a full moon, there can be several reasons. Of course, moonlight can play a role, but there are also other factors to consider:

Mindset: If you believe the full moon makes you sleep worse, you may unconsciously experience more stress, which negatively affects your sleep.
Physical rhythms: Your sleep rhythm may already be disturbed by other things, such as stress, caffeine, or irregular sleep times.
Astrology and emotional impact: Many people feel more energetic or restless during a full moon, which can indirectly lead to poorer sleep.

Tips for better sleep during a full moon

If you find that your sleep is affected by the full moon, you can try the following:

Darken your bedroom: Use curtains or a sleep mask to keep all light out.
Avoid screens before bed: The blue light from your phone or laptop can further disrupt your melatonin production.
Create a calming evening ritual: Think of a warm shower, reading, or meditation to relax.
Keep a sleep diary: Note how you sleep around the full moon. This way, you can discover if there's truly a pattern.

Conclusion: is the full moon the culprit?

The full moon might influence your sleep, but the effect is likely smaller than you think. It's partly a mix of science, natural processes, and our own mindset. Although some people genuinely sleep less well during a full moon, personal factors like stress and your daily habits often play a larger role.

So, the next time the moon is full in the sky, you can reassure yourself: with a few simple adjustments, you really don't have to lie awake all night.

Do you feel different during a full moon? And do you notice a difference in how you sleep? Share your experience below!