With the full moon rising tomorrow and the familiar restlessness setting in, I decided to revisit a post from 2006. Back then, every full moon didn't just disrupt my sleep; it sent my blog traffic soaring by 300-1000% as comments poured in from others sharing similar restless nights and quirky behavior during the lunar phase.
I've migrated my old site content, including popular posts like the original 'Full Moon and Strange Behavior' one, into The Vintage Gamers domain (you can read more about that move here). While I didn't bring the old comments with me, your shared experiences over the years have always added color to this topic. Tonight, I'm combining my old musings with some fresh scientific insights.
What the Science Says
Interestingly, a 2021 study suggested the full moon might directly impact our sleep schedules. Researchers observed:
"Our study observed a significant delay in sleep onset and a reduction in total sleep time during the nights preceding the full moon."
Further research points towards changes in the quality of sleep, not just the duration. Another study noted alterations in sleep stages:
"The analysis revealed a marked decrease in deep sleep and an increase in REM latency associated with the full moon phase."
Beyond specific sleep metrics, general health resources are also taking note. An overview on Healthline indicates that while the moon doesn't appear to cause violence or depression, it may influence sleep patterns and potentially affect individuals with bipolar disorder. [Read more]
Then and Now
It's fascinating to see how the discussion has evolved. Back in 2006, my sleepless nights under the full moon were dismissed by some as mere superstition. Now, while the evidence isn't conclusive, these studies suggest there's something going on with the lunar cycle and our sleep - at least enough to pique scientists' interest.
Whether it's just coincidence or a genuine biological phenomenon is still up for debate. One thing's for sure: as long as the full moon is in the sky, I'm bound to experience another restless night - and I'm not alone.
So, here's to another full moon, another night of trying to catch some sleep, and another opportunity to wonder just what in the world is really going on when our celestial neighbor takes center stage.
What about you? Does the full moon still affect your sleep or mood? Share your experiences in the comments below!