Does a full moon really affect our sleep quality?

People have always believed that the full moon has an effect on our behavior, but recent research has begun to reveal the truth behind this belief.

Studies in the field of sleep medicine have shown that the full moon actually affects the way we sleep and its quality. People tend to sleep for about 20 minutes less, and take longer to fall asleep, especially on nights when the moon is full.

Scientists explain this by saying that the strong light emitted by the moon reduces the production of the hormone “melatonin”, which is the hormone responsible for regulating sleep, making the brain alert. This effect appears to be stronger in rural residents, and less pronounced in well-lit cities, and men seem to be more affected by this phenomenon than women.

As for the belief that there is a relationship between the full moon and psychological disorders or violent behavior, it has been proven to be just a myth with no basis in reality. Statistics do not show any increase in crime rates or admissions to mental hospitals during the full moon period. Experts believe that lack of sleep is the real reason behind any changes in behavior, and advise avoiding looking at screens before bed, and maintaining a dark and quiet environment to improve the quality of sleep at night. (“Russia Today”)