Bad nights sleep? Blame the full moon!
I'm willing to stake my Maldives summer spa getaway on the guess that you've been feeling extra 'Drowsy' these days, am I right?
-No, I haven’t suddenly developed psychic powers, though imagine the convenience!
The reason I’m so sure I’ll be enjoying my holiday? On the 27th of April, a Super Moon will grace our skies.
-Granted, your sleep might still be intact for now, but with the super moon drawing near, you might begin to observe some changes.
Seems like you might need a bit more to be convinced.
You're likely aware of REM, or rapid eye movement sleep, indicating a lighter sleep phase. Conversely, there's NREM (Non-rapid eye movement) sleep, which is the phase of profound, restful sleep.
At the time of a full moon, data from electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings, indicators of deep sleep, reveal a 30% decrease in activity, alongside a 5-minute increase in the time required to fall asleep. Consequently, sleep duration diminishes by around 20 minutes on average.
Experts attribute this phenomenon to two main causes:
- The influence of Lunar Gravity
- The augmented illumination from Increased Lunar Light
We’ll begin with the often overlooked aspect – Lunar Gravity. Prepare for a brief venture into the more scientific side of things.
Certainly, Earth's gravitational force affects every one of us. Despite its relative weakness, the moon's gravity, from a distance of 384,400 km, exerts an influence over us. The moon's closer proximity to Earth during its elliptical orbit, approximately every 14.75 days, strengthens its gravitational effect on us.
Researchers speculate that this near 29.5-day lunar cycle, linked to the moon's gravity, might enhance people's susceptibility to light influences, encompassing both natural moonlight and man-made illumination, as the full moon approaches.
Consistent sleep pattern changes observed in all study participants with the progression of the lunar cycle have led researchers to suspect lunar gravity's influence, though conclusive evidence remains elusive.
Our pronounced sensitivity to light lends credence to the theory that lunar brightness is a key factor in sleep disturbances around the time of the full moon.
The impact of light, be it natural or synthetic, on suppressing melatonin levels – vital for regulating sleep – indicates that moonlight might inherently interfere with human sleep cycles, particularly when the moon shines brightest, compromising sleep quality.
Embedded within each of us is a natural time-keeping mechanism, affectionately dubbed 'the circadian rhythm' for those inclined towards the scientific vernacular – a perpetual 24-hour cycle orchestrating our physiological processes.
Undeniably, light plays a crucial role in stimulating our cerebral activity. Absent our innate circadian guidance, it's intriguing to ponder whether our species might have adopted a primarily nocturnal existence.
Notwithstanding the breadth of research undertaken, the debate persists regarding whether light or lunar gravity primarily accounts for our diminished sleep duration by approximately 20 minutes. Among the theories proposed, the influence of light garners substantial support.
Hanging on?
Full moons illuminate our skies when they align opposite the sun, reflecting its light. But the implications stretch far beyond mere illumination.
This celestial event heralds a prime moment for self-reflection and nurturing care. The current opposition between the Aries sun and the Libra moon, with its notable connections to Chiron & Venus, encourages us to confront and heal from relational conflicts and internal strife. Allow the emerging fervor from your life's choices to fortify you. Under the Libra full moon, embrace the quest towards autonomy and the expulsion of negativity. It’s crucial to prioritize your needs now. Amplify and recuperate your spirit by engaging in spiritual self-care rituals.
My hope is that this upcoming super moon will guide you to a place of serenity and, most significantly, deeper rest.
On that note, it seems my efforts to secure my spa getaway are justified.
What's your perspective? Do you attribute your sleep disturbances during a full moon to the influence of light, lunar gravity, or perhaps a combination of both? Each factor poses a notable explanation for the disruption of sleep during these lunar phases.