Does the Full Moon have any effects on humans? (I)

As the full moon approaches behavior would change and our sleep would be disturbed. Does the moon really have an influence on our behavior and our body?

Does our character undergo a 29-day cycle, linked to the Full Moon and the lunar calendar? Nothing is less sure...

Moon and Earth: a story of 4.5 million years

The Moon is the only natural satellite part of our Solar system. Probably formed shortly after the creation of our planet, the Moon has a volume thirty times that of Earth. The Sun is 400 times larger than the Moon. On the other hand, the latter is located more than 384,000 km from planet Earth while the Solar star is 150 million km away. It is also because of this distance that, seen from Earth, we have the impression that these two stars are the same size when they overlap to form the total solar eclipse. The Moon has a direct influence on the Earth's gravitation. Indeed, the absence of atmosphere and magnetic field acts on oceanic and terrestrial tides. This satellite also determines the length of a day.

Quarter Moon: what are the phases of the lunar cycle?

Also, the lunar calendar would have an impact on mood, gardening, childbirth or even hair growth. This lunar calendar, available online, includes the four main phases of the Moon:

• New Moon ;
• First quarter; 
• Full moon ;
• Last quarter.

How long does the Full Moon last?

It is with the New Moon that the lunation, also called lunar month, begins. The Moon is not illuminated by the Sun, because it is positioned between it and the Earth. It is then almost invisible from our planet. After 7 days, at its first crescent, it is the first quarter of the Moon which is visible from Earth. It is increasingly illuminated by the Sun. During the Full Moon, the entire face of the Moon visible from Earth is illuminated by the Sun. When the Moon is waning, we speak of the last quarter. Only its left part is lit by the Sun.

Does the Moon affect people?

According to certain beliefs, the Moon has an impact on some of our rhythms (hair growth, the quality of our sleep, etc.). According to this theory, full moon approaches behavior, so that during each phase, this satellite would flood the Earth with a different energy. It is depending on the dates and its phases of growth and decline that certain processes could be influenced. However, science remains mixed on the effects of the moon on humans. If work has been carried out, the results are not categorical. If effects exist, they are totally different from the force of attraction exerted by the Moon and the Sun punctuating the tides. And some think that this attraction would have an action on all living (and non-living) beings on the planet.

What is the “power” of the full Moon on humans: what science says
What are the effects of the Full Moon on human behavior?

Can the Full Moon have negative effects on our behavior and promote a gloomy mood? To find out, scientists looked for statistical correlations between certain events and the nights when this star is the brightest. For example, they wanted to know if this star increased aggressive behavior. Some have looked at the number of admissions to hospital emergency rooms1 on the nights in question: apparently there is no correlation. Even if we look in detail at gunshot wounds, stabbings and homicides, the rate of the latter even tends to decrease2,3...

More fatal accidents on Full Moon evenings?

When the Moon is visible in its entirety, would there also be a greater risk of death in the event of a medical problem? American researchers looked into the question4, comparing mortality rates in intensive care units on Full Moon nights and on other days. No correlation could be observed. There would also be no increased risks of vascular and neurological disorders5. On the other hand, a Spanish study6 showed an increase in the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in men, without finding an explanation.

One point on which scientists seem to agree: the fact that road safety is affected during the Full Moon. The results of a Japanese study7 published in 2018 show that there are more people transported to the emergency room after a road accident in the land of the rising sun that night. Same observation from Canadian and American researchers8, who observed a 5% increase in fatal accidents among motorcyclists. In question ? Perhaps a drop in the attention of drivers, distracted by the night star...

(to be continued related to full moon approaches behavior)