“What is it, a full moon?” - Kayla Taylor

“What is it, a full moon?” You might have said this or heard someone else reference strange behaviours or other anomalies.  For me, it was just the other day after a very disrupted sleep where my children seemed on the edge of wakefulness the whole night, and so was I! This prompted me to look into the research on this topic. When people talk about a full moon or express this sentiment, it’s often in a joking kind of way, but it’s an interesting thought to consider that there could be some evidence for it.  When there are anomalies as noted, they are often related to biological (sleep)- or emotional (mood)-related changes. Let’s take a look at both…

Impact of Moon Phases on Sleep 

I was specifically interested in the impact of the moon phases on sleep and was intrigued by what I found from a quick peek at some of the research in this area.  Not all research on this phenomenon showcases significant results, but in one study looking at sleep onset and duration during different moon phases, the researchers found a very strong association!  Specifically, they looked at three different sets of hunter-gatherer communities. They found that in the week leading up to a full moon, individuals took longer to get to sleep (sleep onset) and slept for less time (sleep duration) than at other times in the month with differing moon cycles. Remarkably, when the researchers looked at data from an urban environment as well, the changes in sleep were similar for a sample of undergraduate students.  These same researchers also identified a couple of other studies that took place in a laboratory setting that showed the same results.

When considering the reason why, the authors noted that it might be due to an ‘ancestral effect,’ in other words, a biological mechanism still playing out from way back in evolution.  They discussed the idea that moonlit nights were better for food hunting and gathering, and thus sleep became later and less.  There were also social considerations; for some groups, moonlit nights offered an opportunity for social activities and, in some cases, sexual relations too.  The researchers also noted that these findings could also be due to other physical phenomena like gravitational pull, but there wasn’t any further discussion on this aspect. I am no astronomer, but this is fascinating stuff nonetheless. 

Impact of Moon Phases on Mood 

There’s also been some research, albeit limited or with inconclusive findings, in the area of moon phases and their effect on mood.  Bipolar Disorder has received the most attention in this area; as explained in one article, it’s not so much that the depression or mania switches each and every moon phase shift, but rather that if there is going to be a switch from depression to mania, it will often occur during the change in moon phase, if it does at all. There’s a bit more to all of this, but I didn’t take a super deep dive here.

How Does the Moon Exert an Effect on Sleep or Mood? 

The exact mechanisms of action remain unknown, and are admittedly complex. Still, there have been theories around how the moon affects sleep or mood, including those stated above (moonlight before and during a full moon has an impact), but also theories around gravitational pull and rhythmicity of the ocean tides affecting sleep patterns and mood, especially for those seemingly more sensitive to the Earth’s magnetic field.  In fact, some research has shown that when exposed to changes in ambient-strength magnetic fields (the magnetic field similar to those that we’d experience going about our day-to-day), there is a reduction in a band of brain wave frequency (i.e., electrical activity in the brain) known as alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves are produced when awake but relaxed and not engaged in a task; they affect our felt sense of calm vs. alertness or focus. This effect was shown to occur when the magnetic field was changed in a specific direction (but not another).  The researchers discuss this in relation to us possibly retaining some of our ancestral (geomagnetic) navigation systems from our hunter/gatherer lifestyles historically and conclude that the full extent of this finding is yet to be determined.  

So, what does it all mean?? 

Well, it is complicated. But several theories and some research are showcasing some significant results! In any case, I think the most important takeaway is simply that when someone says, “What is it, a full moon or something?” there actually might be some stock in that expression! If you are curious, consider reading up on it yourself, or even just jot down some of your observations in a journal where you might notice some patterns and learn more about your own mood, sleep, and other cycles that become apparent over time. 

As always, if you are struggling with mood, sleep, or other mental health concerns, please reach out and let us help guide you in a helpful direction. Click HERE to connect or call 587-333-6349. 💙

Disclaimer

Our content is for informational and educational purposes and is not a replacement for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you're facing mental health concerns, please seek help from a qualified professional for personalized guidance. Every individual's situation is unique, so use the information here at your discretion. While we strive for accuracy, the field of psychology is ever-evolving, and our content may not always reflect the latest research. Please prioritize your privacy by avoiding sharing personal information in comments or interactions. Your well-being is our top concern, so use our content for educational purposes, but remember to rely on professionals for your specific needs. 

References 

Casiraghi, L., Spiousas, I., Dunster, G. P., McGlothlen, K., Fernández-Duque, E., Valeggia, C., & de la Iglesia, H. O. (2021). Moonstruck sleep: Synchronization of human sleep with the moon cycle under field conditions. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7840136/#R11 

Geddes, L. (2022, February 24). The mood-altering power of the Moon. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190731-is-the-moon-impacting-your-mood-and-wellbeing Wang, C. X., Hilburn, I. A., Wu, D.-A., Mizuhara, Y., Cousté, C. P., Abrahams, J. N. H., Bernstein, S. E., Matani, A., Shimojo, S., & Kirschvink, J. L. (2019, March 18). Transduction of the Geomagnetic Field as Evidenced from alpha-Band Activity in the Human Brain. eNeuro. https://www.eneuro.org/content/6/2/ENEURO.0483-18.2019