The relationship between insomnia and the phases of the moon has been known for centuries. Modern scientific research also confirms that our sleep comfort is related to the location of the Earth's satellite. How do different phases of the moon affect falling asleep?

Impactmoon phaseson human functioning, including the quality ofsleep , is a theme often found in folk tales and wisdom. Our ancestors believed that during the full moon, it awakens hidden demons, vampires and witches, and exposes you to evil forces. It was believed that at this time, nervous and mental diseases worsened, sexual energy and fertility increased, people were more aggressive, irritable and restless. The moonlight was supposed to disturb sleep, cause nightmares and encourage sleepwalkers to take night walks.

How much truth do folk beliefs contain and what does science have to say about it?

Full moon lowers sleep quality

In 2013, a group of scientists from the University of Basel decided to check how the moon affects sleep. For 3 years, they monitored the night rest of 33 volunteers, who were divided into two age groups: 20-31 and 57-74.

The results of the experiment showed thatduring the full moon the subjects slept worse, regardless of age . Their average time to fall asleep increased by 5 minutes and their sleep duration was shorter by 20 minutes.

Bioelectrical brain activity readings showed that volunteers were less likely to sleep during the full moon.

These observations were confirmed by the questionnaires filled in by them every morning - describing their well-being after the night when the moon was shining the brightest, the respondents complained of lack of sleep and fatigue.

In turn, hormonal studies have shown thattheir bodies produce less melatonin during their full time- a substance that plays the most important role in regulating the circadian rhythm of sleep.

In the course of the experiment, it was also found that participants had trouble sleeping not only during the full moon but also for a few days before and after the full moon resolved.

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Causes of sleep disturbance during the full moon

Although there is a correlation between the full moon and sleep disturbance, scientists still do not know a definite answer tothe question of what is the cause of it. The reason is certainly not a self-suggestion - the participants of the Swiss experiment slept worse, even though they had dark, quiet rooms at their disposal and did not know what phase the moon was currently in.

Some hypotheses speak of a change in electromagnetic radiation or the gravitational interaction of Earth's satellite that would interfere with the release of hormones, including the production of melatonin.

Still others put forward the thesis that the phases of the moon affect the body's water management - just like in nature, where they cause the ebb and flow of water in the seas.

This view seems unlikely, however, because the human body contains far less fluid than water bodies, and thus cannot be equally susceptible to the gravitational pull of the moon.

How to fall asleep faster during the full moon?

Whatever the cause of full moon sleep problems, the moon only stays in this phase for 3 days a month. It is not long enough to cause permanent changes in the rhythm of sleep and wakefulness.

However, if insomnia at this time is bothersome for us, you can use home methods to fall asleep faster:

  • Before going to bed, it is advisable todrink a glass of cherry juicediluted with water. It has been proven that this procedure reduces the time needed to fall asleep by 17 minutes, and also deepens and extends sleep.
  • The old proven way is alsodrinking a glass of milk or cocoa.The latter contains magnesium which has a calming effect.
  • You should also remember aboutsleep hygiene , so go to bed early enough to sleep at least 7 hours at night.
  • You cannot eat anything at2 hours before bedtimebecause it will be harder for your digestive organism to come to rest.
  • It is also important that the eyes are not exposed to the emission ofblue lightin the evening, the sources of which include the screen of a TV, computer or smartphone. Blue light increases brain activity and blocks the release of melatonin, which prevents us from falling asleep. Before going to bed, it is better to turn off all devices and spend this time relaxing and relaxing.
  • Lack of sleep - what are the effects of not getting enough sleep?
  • Problems with sleep? How to sleep to get enough sleep
  • Sleep calculator, or how to calculate when to go to sleep to go to sleep

Category:

Psychology