- Scientists say we do actually sleep less when the moon is at its peak
- Also take longer to nod off and our slumber is lighter at height of lunar cycle
- But rather than being due to the glow or gravitational pull, experts believe it’s proof of an internal biological clock remaining from cave dwelling days
By
Nick Mcdermott
11:09 EST, 25 July 2013
|
11:29 EST, 25 July 2013
Scientists have found we do actually sleep less when the moon is at its peak
It is not just werewolves that come out during a full moon – so does our inner caveman.
Confirming old wives tales that warn of its eerie effects, scientists have found we do actually sleep less when the moon is at its peak.
We also take longer to nod off and our slumber is lighter at the height of the lunar cycle, according to a new study.
But far from being a result of the moon’s glow or its gravitational pull, the researchers believe it is proof of an internal biological clock that is a remnant from our cave dwelling days.
Hardwired into our genes, it is known as the ‘circalunar clock’ and ticks away following the moon’s cycle, even when we cannot see its light.
The researchers suggest lighter sleep would have helped protect our ancient ancestors from predators hunting during a full moon.
Researcher Dr Silvia Frey from the University of Basel said: ‘Our findings are the first that point to the existence of a circalunar clock in humans, but nobody has pinpointed it yet in the body.
‘We expect it works at a molecular levels and in the brain, possibly in the hypothalamus, the same part that regulates the circadian rhythm – the body’s own internal clock.
‘Originally, centuries ago it would have made sense if you didn’t sleep as much during a full moon when there was a lot of light and a higher risk of being predated. In our ancient ancestors, it suggests this behaviour would have been a protective feature.’ The research, published in the journal Current Biology, examined the sleep patterns of 33 volunteers.
At the time of the full moon, scans showed brain activity related to deep sleep dropped by 30 per cent. Participants took five minutes longer than normal to fall asleep, and slept for 20 minutes less time on average during the night, compared to the rest of the month.
The researchers also discovered at the moon’s zenith, volunteers had reduced levels of melatonin, the ‘body clock’ hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles.
Questioned by the scientists, the participants also reported their sleep was poorer when the moon was full.
According to legend, it is not just our slumber that is affected. A full moon is thought to bring on madness – the term lunatic is derived from luna, the Latin word for moon – trigger violence, and affect fertility.
We also take longer to nod off and our slumber is lighter at the height of the lunar cycle. But far from being a result of the moon’s glow or its gravitational pull, the researchers believe it is proof of an internal biological clock that is a remnant from our cave dwelling days
‘I personally suspect that there is more than just people’s sleep pattern being affected by the moon,’ said Dr Fry. ‘It would be interesting to examine whether it affects their cognitive function or influences moods or wellbeing in a person.
‘The expression on our behaviour will happen even if you are not directly exposed to moonlight. If the circaluner clock exists, then it is just ticking along at its own rhythm.’ The internal clock is thought to exist in many animals, particularly marine species, and scientists believe it may work in conjunction with the light-regulated ‘circadian clock’ that regulates body functions to a daily 24-hour clock.
Evidence of the phenomenon has been found in marine midges and iguanas in the Galapagos islands.
The report concluded: ‘Lunar rhythms are not as evident as circadian rhythms and are thus not easy to document – but they exist.
‘Their role is mysterious, and there are probably large individual differences that underlie the contradictory evidence for their existence. Some people may be exquisitely sensitive to moon phase.
‘It remains challenging to unravel the neuronal underpinnings of such a putative lunar clock in humans.’
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I definitely don’t sleep well during the full moon. But I dispute the ‘caveman due to predation’ theory as its well established that human predation is highest when there is either no moon, or moon below horizon. Records show that big nocturnal predators (think lions) have far higher attack rates on humans during the darkest parts of the night.
OricAL
,
Awake n fresh out of Bubblegum, United Kingdom,
25/7/2013 21:03
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I work night shift.
Maggie
,
Atlanta, Georgia, USA,
25/7/2013 20:58
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Does the full moon bother me? Nooooooooooooo
Graham
,
Cape Town,
25/7/2013 20:57
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the problem is….that as the Moon affects the movement of the tides…so the full Moon affects the fluid in the brain…so thereby the way we act and sleep
arram
,
westcliff on sea, United Kingdom,
25/7/2013 20:38
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The heat has been affecting my sleep of late… So I can’t tell!!
kay
,
northern Ireland,
25/7/2013 20:36
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@- sariq…Go to any ae or police station the next fool moon……educate yourself !
The Non Profit
,
London,
25/7/2013 20:13
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This is actually true. Since it’s been a full moon I have been falling asleep a good few hours later than I usually do. I did actually say a few days ago to my fiancee that I bet it’s something to do with the full moon and she thought I was being silly.. so I’ve just shown her that article.
anon
,
Cheshire,
25/7/2013 20:07
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Strange but true.
Mike
,
Coulsdon,
25/7/2013 19:55
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I saw someone release his inner cave man when he did a full moon at a rugby match.
Evel Lucion
,
Bracknell,
25/7/2013 19:51
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Well if that’s the case lets have a full moon bank holiday
powertalk
,
warrington,
25/7/2013 19:47
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