Human sleep patterns hardwired to lunar cycles

Can’t sleep? Blame the moon. New research published today reveals further evidence that humans’ sleep cycles are influenced by lunar rhythms, even when the moon is not visible.
Full moon effect: New evidence shows link between cycles of the moon and human sleep. Picture: PAFull moon effect: New evidence shows link between cycles of the moon and human sleep. Picture: PA
Full moon effect: New evidence shows link between cycles of the moon and human sleep. Picture: PA

Scientists at the University of Basel monitored the brain activity, eye movements and hormone levels of 33 sleeping volunteers in their lab. They found that the brain activity associated with deep sleep dropped by around 30 per cent around the full moon. Additionally, participants took 5 minutes longer to fall asleep, and slept for 20 minutes less overall.

Christian Cajochen of the Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Basel said: “The lunar cycle seems to influence human sleep, even when one does not ‘see’ the moon and is not aware of the actual moon phase.”

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After waking, participants said they felt less rested when the moon was full, and showed lower levels of the hormone melatonin, known to influence sleep patterns. Whilst many people complain of poor sleep around a full moon, “this is the first reliable evidence that a lunar rhythm can modulate sleep structure in humans” the researchers say.