Despite following expert recommendations for a good night's sleep, some people still struggle with insomnia, and they may blame the moon for their sleeplessness.
However, the impact of the moon on human sleep is not straightforward.
Many people romanticize seeing a full moon, especially special events like harvest or blue moons, so perhaps the effects come from emotions, not physiology, says Dr. Stephen Carstensen, a consultant in sleep-related breathing disorders.
According to Dr. Carstensen, the expectation of being restless under a full moon can be enough to keep people awake, suggesting that the moon's effect on sleep may be more psychological than physiological.
Other factors, such as the use of cell phones before bed, may have a more significant impact on sleep quality.
Author's summary: Moon affects sleep less than cell phones.