Even the researcher could not believe the results,
searching for any slight error. The chronobiologist Christian Cajochen
determined in his study that the moon really affects us. He recorded several
sleep parameters on 33 volunteers and found out that the full moon is
disturbing their sleep. Volunteers took 5 more minutes to fall asleep than
usual and their total sleeping time was reduced by 20 minutes. Even melatonin
levels, a hormone synthesized by our brains mainly at night, were reduced
during this night. He recorded the electrical activity of the volunteer brains
and noticed a drop in delta waves, which are emitted only during deep sleep.
This was a characteristic of poor sleep.
What could be the reason? Was it the change in the magnetic field or a
change of gravitation? The changes in those fields were very small to affect
us. Or was it the light reflected by the moon? This was not possible since the
volunteers had to spend several nights inside the lab and could not see the
moonlight. The chronobiologist suggested that this was the result of an
evolutionary. Our ancestors took the advantages of the full moon light to hunt.
This habit implemented in us an internal clock that is set for 29.5 days and we
are still following it till this day? Has anyone noticed this effect? And what
do you think is the cause of this? The next time you see the full moon, do not
expect to change into werewolves, but prepare yourselves for a sleepless night
Maybe I am crazy, but I don't understand the cause and effect of the moon on sleep. I don't believe that the study had enough people to conclusively suggest the moon's interaction. And if this is true, then will there be variation in sleep patterns during daylight savings versus spring forward? Lastly, was there any way to differentiate between outside stressors that can cause a lack of stress?
ReplyDeleteYou always find the most interesting research! I agree with Aurelia, I'm not certain that there was enough conclusive evidence to say this is true. I would be more willing to accept this theory if more trials were run and more variables were tested.
ReplyDeleteI try to make my blogs interesting. Glad you guys are liking them. Yea the research is not conclusive but its a start. A very possible assumption!
DeleteThis is so interesting! The evolutionary connection between moonlight and sleep seems like plausible explanation.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ash! :)
DeleteWhy cant the moon disturb sleep? It can control tides and of course you know what people say that it makes people crazy. This is interesting, maybe the poor sleep does make people go a little nutty. I know it would make me go a little off the norm.
ReplyDeleteI wish the author of the LiveScience article you linked to had actually cited or linked to a study. Their report seems dubious to me, but I'd like to find out more.
ReplyDeletethe study is very recent and is at its infancy. I bet more research will be conducted! Meanwhile the theory is valid unless it is proven otherwise!
DeleteI basically agree with everyone else. There seems to not be enough information for a cut-and-dry answer with this, but I do know that the moon can effect certain things, so this would be something that is interesting to follow to find out more.
ReplyDelete