Most people know the sun provides health benefits, such as being a main source of Vitamin D, which is an essential vitamin in keeping people healthy. It turns out it’s not as clear as to whether or not the moon has any health benefits to humans.
The reproductive cycle of some marine animals, such as corals, have been found to be influenced by the moon’s cycle. Oysters close their shells as the full moon approaches. During new moons, sharks move to shallower water. Animal hunting patterns are also affected. Lions become less effective at catching prey during full moons. On the other hand, white owls become more effective during full moons.
The moon also affects plants. Many gardeners tend to their garden based on the moon cycle where above ground crops are planted during the waxing (new to full moon) phase. Root crops are planted during the waning phases (full to new moon) phase. The moon draws more moisture to the surface, improving seed growth. I haven’t tried it, but may in the future. Sap flow in plants also peaks at the full moon.
It is known the moon has an effect on tides. Full and new moons cause higher tides than during the waxing (new to full moon) and waning phases (full to new moon). This is due to the alignment of the sun, earth and moon. When the moon is closer to the earth, the gravitational pull is higher, resulting in higher tides. The human body is on average made up of 60% water, so there is speculation the moon also affects the human body.
Some claims include the moon influences:
- a women’s hormonal cycle where it is in sync with the moon cycles and is a similar length the the moon cycle.
- Studies have shown lower levels of melatonin and testosterone shortly before a full moon. Full moons are thought to affect men more than women due to these lower hormones.
- people’s mood and behavior – Studies haven’t really confirmed this though.
- sleep – Studies have shown people sleep less, spend less time REM sleep and take longer to fall asleep even when in dark environments. I know I don’t sleep as well at times when a full moon is shining though a window in my bedroom, although blackout curtains will probably help with the bright light streaming in.
- a small, but interesting study found that fasting plasma glucose and average heart rate were higher during the new and full moons.
There isn’t a lot of scientific confirmation that these claims are actually true. However, due to the scientific findings regarding plants and animals, it’s very likely there is an influence to some degree. I believe everything in nature was created for a reason and that includes the moon.
Challenge:
Get a notebook and for a few months, track how you feel a few days before and a few days after a full moon. Do the same for a new moon. Notice if you see a pattern.
Also, go outside on a warm night when there’s a full moon and just look at the sky. On a clear night especially, a full moon and stars look awe inspiring.
Resources:
https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/ways-moon-affects-wildlife
https://www.snexplores.org/article/moon-has-power-over-animals
https://www.almanac.com/planting-by-the-moon
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10004791/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10704544/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07420528.2020.1842754