Does the full moon affect health?
Can moon cycles impact our health and wellness? Does a full moon cause us to feel different? Even if we are not completely sure, some knowledge hints at the answer.
This seems like a very hippie question to ask. But it also isn't. Where did the word "lunatic" come from? Probably myths and theories that date back many years. There are deep historical cultural beliefs about the full moon and moods. Is it more than a belief? Who knows. There is a difference between correlation and causation. Something happens. We know that much.
Full moon - Unsplash
This exploration is inspired by personal experience. I suffered from headaches for many years. In more recent months, I noticed headaches occurred around the times of full moon dates. What is happening?
The scientific world actually attempted to explain what might be happening to humans in the lunar cycle. These conclusions may brings us closer to understanding.
Mood cycles
No, I'm not talking about PMS. The BBC referred to professor Wehr's realisation that, "some people’s mood swings appeared to follow a 14.8-day cycle, others a 13.7-day cycle – although some of them occasionally switched between these cycles." That's interesting.
Less sleep
People may get less than enough sleep around the times of a full moon. A study suggested this back in 2013. It is possible. Why would people struggle to snooze and slumber? There are various explanations. We simply know some people wished they could have slept more when a full moon came around.
Health risks?
This goes well beyond my zero expertise. But I feel the need to share this. A study found, "Geomagnetic storms can trigger stroke..." What? What's a geomagnetic storm? I will trust the reader to figure out if this is all connected or not.
Then there is the speculation about seizures. Prevention summarised the info from a few studies on this. Could there be more seizures when the moon is bright and not covered by clouds? Perhaps.
My less-controversial speculation
Here is my completely un-scientific opinion, based on speculation instead of fact - because I can. I got headaches during multiple full moons. I also got headaches at other times. Let's assume I'm prone to headaches but the full moon doesn't help.
The other questions of health effects were interesting but not fully definite. We can say some people may possibly feel less than amazing during a full moon. Whether it's because of the full moon or not, it depends on who you ask.
Full moon at night - Unsplash
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