Many people say they sleep worse during a full moon. You may recognize it yourself: you toss and turn in bed, stare endlessly at the ceiling and feel exhausted in the morning. But how much of this is true? Does the full moon really disrupt your sleep, or is it mainly 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 Ancient Phenomenon
The full moon has always captured the imagination. From old folk tales to modern astrology: the moon is seen as a powerful natural phenomenon. People used to believe that the moon had an influence on behavior, emotions and even physical processes. Especially during a full moon we would have more energy, be restless or... sleep badly.
But how much of this is based on fact? 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 that is regulated by a 'biological clock' in your brain. This clock keeps track of your day-night rhythm, known as the circadian rhythm . A key hormone in this process is melatonin , also known as the 'sleep hormone'.
Melatonin makes you sleepy when it’s dark. Your body starts producing this hormone as soon as it gets dark, 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 disturb your sleep?
A full moon is bright, and on a cloudless night the moonlight can be remarkably bright. In the past, when there was no artificial light, this would have had a significant impact. The 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 would think that the effect of the moon would be minimal. However, some studies show that the moon can have an influence even without light.
What does science say about the full moon and sleep?
Scientists have conducted several studies on the influence of the moon on sleep. A 2013 Swiss study showed that during a full moon, people sleep an average of 20 minutes less and also sleep less deeply. Melatonin production was lower during these nights, even in completely darkened rooms.
However, other studies do not find convincing evidence. Some experts argue that we mainly talk ourselves into sleeping worse during a full moon. If you believe that you will sleep worse, you will experience it more quickly.
Fun fact: animals and the full moon
Not only humans seem to be sensitive to the full moon. Animals often show different behavior as well. For example, predators such as lions are more active during a full moon, because they can see better in the light. But nocturnal animals such as owls are actually quieter.
Bad Sleep: Is It the Moon or You?
If you find that you often have trouble sleeping during a full moon, there could be a number of reasons for this. Of course, moonlight can play a role, but there are other factors to consider:
- Mindset: If you believe that the full moon will make you sleep worse, you may unconsciously experience more stress, which will negatively affect your sleep.
- Body rhythms: Your sleep pattern may already be disrupted by other things, such as stress, caffeine or irregular sleeping times.
- Astrology and Emotional Impact: Many people feel more energetic or restless during a full moon, which can indirectly lead to poorer sleep.
Tips to sleep better during a full moon
If you find that your sleep is still affected by the full moon, you can try this:
- Darken your bedroom: Use curtains or a sleep mask to keep out all light.
- 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 unwind.
- Keep a sleep diary: Record how you sleep around the full moon. This will help you discover if there really is a pattern.
Conclusion: Is the full moon the culprit?
The full moon may affect your sleep, but the effect is probably smaller than you think. It’s partly a mix of science, natural processes, and our own mindsets. While some people do sleep worse during a full moon, personal factors like stress and your daily habits often play a bigger role.
So the next time the moon is full in the sky, you can rest assured that with a few simple adjustments, you really don't have to lose sleep at night.
Do you feel different during a full moon? And do you notice a difference in how you sleep? Share your experience below!
