Summary
- Introduction: Moon and sleep, a mysterious link
- The effects and consequences of the Moon on sleep
- Shorter nights
- An influenced mood
- Why does the Moon keep us awake?
- The role of brightness
- Disrupted melatonin
- How to sleep better during the Full Moon?
- Establish a wellness routine
- Favor total darkness
- Avoid stimulants and intense activities in the evening
- Focus on suitable food and bedding
- Conclusion sources and additional resources
It's clear that the moon and sleep have been inexorably linked since the dawn of time. Indeed, many sleepers experience difficulty falling asleep during periods of the Full Moon.
The latter has always been a source of fascination for humans. There is no shortage of myths and theories about this astral phenomenon: transformation into a werewolf, hyperactivity in children, increased libido, or even hair growth, but what should we believe?
Several researchers have conducted studies to provide scientific answers to the influence of the moon's phases on sleep quality. In this article, we will examine the effects of the moon on sleep and give you tips for sleeping better.
2. The effects and consequences of the moon on sleep
Did you have trouble sleeping last night? Did you wake up well before the alarm went off? If this happens as the Full Moon approaches or during it, it's no coincidence!
- Shorter nights: Studies have shown a causal link between the moon and the ability to fall asleep. In fact, according to a study published in the journal Science Advances , it takes longer to fall asleep during the 3 to 5 days preceding the Full Moon and the duration of sleep is shorter.
- Affected mood? Furthermore, the moon can have an impact on our mood. Indeed, the moon's rays can affect the region of the brain that regulates our nervous system (the hypothalamus). This is why some people may seem particularly moody a few days before the Full Moon.
The moon can therefore exert an influence on sleep cycles!
3. Why does the moon keep us awake? What are the causes?
- Light level: The moon's light level plays a crucial role in our deep sleep. The higher the moon is illuminated by the sun and the more frequently we wake up during the night.
- Disrupted melatonin levels: According to the author of the Encyclopedia of Sleep, Alex Dimitriu, our melatonin levels are affected by a decrease during the Full Moon. Melatonin is a natural hormone that we secrete at the end of the day to prepare our bodies for sleep. Thus, a melatonin deficiency during certain periods of the Moon may explain our difficulty sleeping or waking up more frequently during the night. On the other hand, the level doubles during the New Moon (invisible Moon).
4. How to sleep better during the Full Moon?
If you experience particular difficulty sleeping during certain lunar cycles, you may be a "moon-sensitive" person. To this end, we recommend establishing a wellness routine during the days leading up to the Full Moon. For example, you can:
- Take a nice hot bath in the evening to help relax your muscles
- Prioritize reading a good book over screens before bed
- Make sure you sleep in complete darkness by removing any light sources that could disturb your sleep. You can also use a sleep mask.
- Be careful not to drink drinks that might excite you, such as tea, coffee, or sugary drinks.
- Avoid high-intensity exercise in the evening and opt for quiet activities like yoga to avoid raising your body temperature before going to bed.
- Choose natural foods rich in melatonin: oats, barley, rice, oilseeds such as walnuts and hazelnuts, bananas, ginger, valerian tea, lavender or marjoram
- Finally, choose quality bedding, such as a natural pillow or duvet.
In conclusion, the moon can have an impact on the quality of our sleep and our mood. The main cause is the moon's bluish light, which interferes with melatonin production. However, this varies greatly from person to person depending on their sensitivity, and scientific studies don't always agree. If you're having trouble sleeping during the full moon, you can adopt a wellness routine that will help you get to sleep!
Find the next Full Moon & New Moon dates at https://www.pleine-lune.org/
Sources used:
- ScienceAdvances: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abe0465
- Sciences et Avenir: https://www.sciencesetavenir.fr/sante/la-lune-perturberait-bien-le-sommeil_23473
- Journal Des Femmes: https://sante.journaldesfemmes.fr/fiches-sante-du-quotidien/2717809-effet-pleine-lune-humeur-angoisse-crise-stress-pourquoi-que-faire/
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