“Oh, I didn't sleep well last night” is a phrase you hear a lot when the moon is completely round. At first it was claimed that this was nonsense, as there is no scientific evidence that the full moon affects our sleep rhythm. Until now: It's finally been proven that a full moon can make you sleep shorter and worse. Woohoo, you're not crazy!
Scientific evidence that the full moon affects us
Researchers from the United States and Argentina wrote in the scientific journal Advancement of science People sleep later and shorter in the period leading up to the full moon. In other words: the lunar cycle affects our sleep rhythm. The study showed that on the five nights before the full moon, people slept an average of 45 minutes less than on other nights. In addition, they went to bed 30 to 80 minutes later. So it's possible that the full moon has been causing you to sleep poorly the past few nights!
In this study, the reason was stated as extra light. Since the sky is darker during a full moon, your sleep will be worse. Whether this is truly the correct (and only) reason remains a matter of speculation.
Super full moon
The last full moon was a little larger than usual. This is because it was a supermoon. Of course, the Moon is not really larger during such a supermoon, but simply closer to Earth. This relates to the varying distance between the Earth and the Moon. If you missed it, July 13 is the next supermoon. So pay attention!
