How does the moon affect sleep?

The moon's influence on sleep has been studied for centuries, with many people claiming that they experience sleep disturbances during a full moon. Some research has suggested that the lunar cycle may have an impact on human sleep patterns, although the exact mechanisms are not well understood.

One theory is that the moon's gravitational pull may disrupt circadian rhythms, the body's internal clock that regulates sleep and wake cycles. Another theory is that the increased light during a full moon may interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.

While the research on this topic is mixed, some studies have found that people tend to take longer to fall asleep and sleep for shorter periods during a full moon. However, other studies have found no significant differences in sleep patterns during different phases of the lunar cycle.

Overall, more research is needed to fully understand the moon's effect on sleep, but it is clear that the moon's cycle can have an impact on our bodies and behaviors.