Full moon: does it really affect our bodies?
The full moon is believed to have a multitude of effects on health and the body, such as making it harder to sleep, promoting plant growth, increasing the number of births, and even causing madness. But are all these effects scientifically proven?
Let's take stock
On full moon nights, there is often an outpouring of emotion. It must be said that the full moon is surrounded by many legends and beliefs that have intrigued people since the dawn of time.
Full moon and childbirth
We often hear that women tend to give birth on full moon nights. However, several studies have shown little difference between the number of births on full moon days and the rest of the time. In 2005, a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology put an end to the debate by analysing no less than 600,000 births over several years: no direct link between births and the lunar cycle was found. This belief may stem from the similarities between lunar cycles, which last approximately 29 days, and menstrual cycles, which last 28 days.
Full moon and sleep
It is said that the full moon disrupts sleep and increases the risk of insomnia. There are few studies on this subject, but some small-scale studies have shown that the full moon may indeed have an impact on sleep quality. In 2013, a Swiss study published in Current Biology showed that on nights when there is a full moon, deep sleep is reduced by 30% and the time it takes to fall asleep is increased by 5 minutes. Research published in the journal Sleep Medicine in 2014 and conducted on 319 participants also revealed that light sleep and wakefulness increased during a full moon.
Full moon and plants
Legend has it that plants tend to grow faster on full moon nights. There is even talk of biodynamics, a form of agriculture based in part on lunar cycles. However, in a report published in 2012, the French National Horticultural Society explains that "while the Moon does have an influence on the agronomic performance of plants, it is infinitesimal".
Full moon and mental health
The full moon is said to influence mood and mental health and to trigger psychological disorders. Hence the myth of the werewolf and the expression "being in a bad mood". Research published in 2009 suggested that psychiatric institutions admitted more people than usual during a full moon. But in 2019, Swiss and American researchers analysed data from 17,966 people treated in 15 different psychiatric wards over a ten-year period. No link was found between increased aggression and the full moon phase.
