The Full Moon Effects on Your Mood, Emotions and Mental Health

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If you’ve noticed some people acting a little different around the full moon, you aren’t wrong. Throughout history, the moon has been a symbol of mystery, transformation, and power. Many people believe the phases of the moon, particularly the full moon, can have an impact on our emotions and mental health. But is there any truth to these claims? Can the moon, specifically the full moon, really affect the way we feel? Ask anyone in the childcare industry or in law enforcement and they’ll be quick to tell you that the full moon absolutely makes people do some pretty wild stuff. So, let’s find out what those full moon effects are on emotions, mood, and mental health.

The Moon vs. Humans

The moon has always fascinated humanity, serving as a constant presence in the night sky. Its cycles have been linked to everything from tides to agriculture, and many cultures have long believed that the moon affects human behavior.

When it comes to emotions, the full moon is often at the center of attention. You may have heard stories about people feeling more emotional, restless, or even anxious during a full moon.

But what is it about the full moon that captures our attention, and does it really have the power to affect us?

The moon phases coincide with various biological rhythms in human, animal and plant life, and its gravitational pull affects the tides each day. Now, think about this – the human body is mostly water. So, if the moon can move oceans, it could very well be affecting the energy within you as well.

While scientific research is still inconclusive, many people report feeling the effects of the full moon, from changes in mood to disrupted sleep patterns. Whether it’s due to biological rhythms, gravitational pull or psychological perception, the full moon effects have sparked curiosity and conversation for centuries.

1. The Full Moon Effects on the Body

The full moon, in all of its undeniable radiant beauty, doesn’t just light up the night sky and is often thought to influence human behaviour as well. The moon’s gravitational pull, responsible for ocean tides, is sometimes believed to have a subtle influence on the fluids in our bodies, potentially leading to emotional shifts. While this idea is still debated, it’s hard to deny the mystical connection many feel with the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycles, especially the full moon, are associated with heightened energy and awareness. Some people claim they feel more emotionally charged or introspective when the moon is full. This could be due to the increased brightness and the extended nighttime exposure, subtly affecting our biology and mental states. But the question remains: does the full moon affect people in a measurable way, or is it just an age-old myth?

2. Can the Moon Affect Your Mood?

Many of us have asked ourselves, can the moon affect our moods? The connection between the moon and emotions is one that has fascinated scientists and spiritual thinkers alike. Psychologists have noted that mood fluctuations may be linked to the moon, especially during the full moon phase. Whether you notice heightened excitement, anxiety, or restlessness, these feelings may be your body responding to the external change in the environment. The full moon’s impact might not be as far-fetched as some believe, especially when considering how sensitive we are to natural cycles like day and night.

3. The Effects of the Full Moon on your Emotions

Many people experience what can be described as full moon emotions—a heightened sense of emotional sensitivity or mood swings during this lunar phase. The moon’s cycle is believed to have an impact on our internal cycles, such as sleep and hormone production, which may explain why some people feel “off” or more emotional around the time of the full moon.

Women, in particular, are often said to be more attuned to the lunar cycles, as the moon’s phases have been historically connected to femininity, fertility, and menstrual cycles. This association might make women more sensitive to the effects of the full moon on emotions. Have you ever noticed feeling more emotional or sensitive during the full moon? You’re not alone. While the scientific link is still under investigation, many women find that their emotions feel more intense or unpredictable during this time.

4. The Link Between the Full Moon and Anxiety

For some people, the full moon brings not just emotional sensitivity but also anxiety. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling uneasy or restless during a full moon, you might be experiencing full moon anxiety. This sensation could be tied to the natural brightness of the full moon, which can disrupt sleep and increase feelings of stress or nervousness.

Research into the effects of the full moon on mental health is still limited, but many anecdotal reports suggest that full moon nights may heighten anxiety, especially in those already prone to stress. The increased light during a full moon can interrupt your sleep, which in turn can affect your mood and overall mental well-being. Managing this anxiety can be as simple as establishing a calming nighttime routine or practicing mindfulness, helping to ease the mind during this lunar phase.

5. The Effects of a Full Moon on your Sleep

Sleep disturbances are one of the most commonly reported full moon effects. Many people notice difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep during the full moon, which could explain why some experience shifts in their emotional and mental states. It’s no secret that lack of sleep can exacerbate anxiety and mood swings, making the full moon a particularly challenging time for those prone to mental health issues.

Research has shown that during the full moon, it may take longer to fall asleep, and sleep quality may be lower. If you find yourself tossing and turning during this lunar phase, try adopting some sleep-friendly habits. Lowering lights in the evening, avoiding screen time before bed, and practicing relaxation techniques can help you get the rest you need.

6. Full Moon Influence on Women’s Cycles

For centuries, women’s menstrual cycles have been linked to the moon’s phases. While not all women align with the lunar cycle, the symbolism between the moon and femininity remains strong. The full moon’s influence on women’s hormones and emotions has been a topic of spiritual and cultural significance, with many women reporting that they feel more in tune with their bodies during this time.

Whether or not your cycle aligns with the moon, the idea of using lunar phases to reflect and check in with your emotional and physical health can be empowering. Taking time to care for your emotional well-being during the full moon might help you feel more balanced and centered.

7. The Full Moon and Creativity

While many people associate the full moon with anxiety or mood swings, others find it to be a time of heightened creativity and inspiration. Some artists, writers, and creators claim that the full moon boosts their imagination and productivity, allowing them to tap into a deeper well of creativity. If you’re someone who feels energized by the full moon, this could be an opportunity to set new goals or focus on creative projects.

8. Full Moon and Mental Health

While there’s no definitive scientific proof that the full moon directly causes mental health changes, many people report feeling its effects, especially when it comes to mood, anxiety, and even physical health.

One theory is that the increased brightness of the full moon disrupts our natural circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep and mood. Another possibility is that the full moon simply serves as a psychological trigger—something that people expect to influence them, and thus it does. Whether myth or reality, the full moon’s influence on people is undeniable for those who feel it.

And for those who feel it, wearing a spinning fidget ring during these lunar phases can give you an extra tool for conquering anxiety. 

The Strange Effects of the Full Moon

For centuries, people have believed that the full moon influences human behavior, giving rise to folklore about strange events during this lunar phase. Tales of heightened emotions, bizarre occurrences, and even increased crime have been passed down through generations. While many dismiss these claims as superstition, modern research has explored whether the full moon might indeed affect human behavior, with some studies suggesting a possible connection between the lunar cycle and events such as increased crime rates, car accidents, and hospital visits.

1. Increased Crime Rates During the Full Moon

One of the most persistent beliefs about the full moon is that it leads to an uptick in criminal activity. The idea that people become more impulsive, violent, or irrational during the full moon is common in popular culture. But is there any evidence to support this claim?

• Violent Crimes: Police officers have long speculated that more assaults and violent crimes occur on full moon nights, possibly due to increased agitation or erratic behavior.
• Theft and Vandalism: Some studies show a slight increase in property crimes such as theft and vandalism during full moons, potentially because the bright moon makes it easier for criminals to move around at night.

Several studies have examined whether there is a link between the full moon and crime rates. For example, a study published in the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology analyzed crime data over several years and found a modest increase in violent crimes during the full moon ¹. The researchers speculated that the increased light provided by the full moon might lead to more opportunities for criminal behavior since people are out later at night, and visibility is better.

Another study conducted in the 1980s by the Sussex Police Force in the UK found a notable rise in aggressive incidents, including assaults, during full moon nights. Officers reported that full moons seemed to coincide with more public disturbances and disorderly behavior, although the exact reasons behind this connection remained unclear. Some speculated that the moon’s influence on sleep and mental health could contribute to more impulsive or aggressive actions ².

Despite these findings, not all studies agree. Some research shows no significant correlation between the full moon and crime rates, suggesting that other factors, such as cultural beliefs or environmental conditions, may play a larger role.

2. Hospital Visits and Emergency Room Admissions

Another area where the full moon has been linked to changes in human behavior is in healthcare, with reports of increased hospital admissions, particularly in emergency rooms and psychiatric wards, during the full moon.

• More Injuries: Emergency rooms tend to see more patients suffering from accidents, injuries, and strange incidents during the full moon. This could be linked to increased nighttime activity or even the idea that people behave more recklessly.
• Psychiatric Crises: There’s a belief that psychiatric wards fill up during the full moon due to people experiencing heightened anxiety, agitation, or psychosis, especially in those prone to mental health issues.

A study published in The British Medical Journal in 2000 reviewed hospital admissions and found that the full moon was associated with a slight increase in emergency room visits, particularly for patients experiencing psychiatric issues, injuries, and alcohol-related incidents ³. Similarly, a study from Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital revealed that the number of psychiatric patients admitted to the hospital was higher during the full moon than during other phases of the lunar cycle.

One theory is that the full moon affects sleep patterns, which can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or lead to sleep deprivation-related incidents like accidents or emotional breakdowns. The disruption of circadian rhythms (our body’s internal clock) during the full moon may also contribute to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and impulsivity, potentially leading to more frequent hospital visits.

Some emergency room workers, particularly in high-stress environments, have reported busier nights during the full moon, with more cases involving unusual injuries, accidents, or erratic behavior.

3. Car Accidents and Road Safety During the Full Moon

Traffic accidents are another area where the full moon has been linked to behavioral changes, though the relationship is still debated. Some researchers suggest that the increased brightness of the full moon can either improve or impair driver visibility, depending on weather conditions and other factors. This could potentially lead to more accidents or near misses, especially in rural or dimly lit areas where moonlight is more noticeable.

• Car Crashes: Some studies suggest a rise in traffic accidents during the full moon, possibly due to increased nighttime travel, distractions caused by the bright moonlight, or impaired judgment in certain drivers.
• Falls and Injuries: Other types of accidents, like slips and falls, also seem to increase during the full moon, possibly because people are more active or outside later at night.

A study published in the International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion looked at the relationship between lunar phases and traffic accidents. The study found a slight increase in car accidents during full moon nights compared to new moon nights ⁴. One possible explanation is that the brightness of the full moon might lead to overconfidence in driving, or it could cause distractions for drivers, particularly in areas where street lighting is sparse.

Interestingly, one particular study focused on fatal motorcycle crashes during full moon nights. Published in The British Medical Journal, it found a 5% increase in fatal motorcycle accidents during a full moon, suggesting that the moon’s brightness might cause a distraction for motorcyclists, leading to tragic outcomes. The researchers suggested that the unusual lighting conditions created by a full moon could be a contributing factor, as drivers may misjudge distances or become momentarily distracted by the lunar glow.

4. Psychiatric Incidents and Full Moon Effects

Psychiatric institutions and mental health professionals have long observed that the full moon seems to correspond with more intense emotional disturbances, leading to the colloquial term “lunacy” (derived from “luna,” the Latin word for moon). Several studies have tried to find scientific backing for this phenomenon.

• Episodes of Agitation and Irritability: Many believe that people become more easily angered or aggressive during a full moon.
• Unusual Outbursts or Mood Swings: Reports suggest that people with mood disorders or sensitivities may experience more intense emotional swings during the full moon phase ⁵.

A 2011 study conducted in Australia examined the link between the full moon and violent behavior in psychiatric patients. The research analyzed data from hospital emergency rooms over a five-year period and found that there was a notable increase in aggressive incidents, including attacks on staff, during the full moon. The researchers proposed that disruptions in sleep, potentially triggered by the full moon’s brightness, might exacerbate psychiatric conditions, particularly in individuals prone to mood disorders or psychosis.

Similarly, an analysis of over 1400 patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Switzerland revealed a spike in admissions for mood disorders and psychotic episodes during the full moon ⁶. The researchers speculated that the moon’s influence on circadian rhythms and sleep could play a role in worsening psychiatric symptoms, though they cautioned that the connection was likely more complex than a simple cause-and-effect relationship.

5. Sleep Disturbances and Unusual Dreams

Many people claim that they experience poor sleep or vivid, unusual dreams during the full moon. Some individuals report having more intense or bizarre dreams during full moons, which could be linked to disrupted sleep cycles and psychological anticipation of the full moon’s effects.

Other studies suggest that sleep duration is reduced during the full moon phase, with people taking longer to fall asleep and reporting a poorer quality of sleep.

6. Increased Birth Rates

There is a long-standing belief that more women go into labor during the full moon. Some nurses and midwives claim they notice busier maternity wards on full moon nights, although studies on this subject have produced mixed results. The idea is based on the theory that the moon’s gravitational pull, which affects tides, could also affect amniotic fluid and trigger labor.

Other Impacts of the Full Moon

During a full moon, a variety of strange and unusual events have been reported to increase, often attributed to the moon’s influence on human behavior. However, animals and even the natural world have shown to get influenced by the full moon. While some of these claims are supported by anecdotal evidence, others remain part of folklore and myth. Here are some of the more unusual events and occurrences said to increase during the full moon:

7. Strange Animal Behavior

Many animals are believed to act more erratically during the full moon ⁷. Some examples include:

• Increased Howling in Dogs: Dog owners often report their pets becoming more vocal or restless during the full moon. Some believe that the extra light and energy of the full moon make dogs more alert or anxious.
• Wolves Howling at the Moon: This iconic image of wolves howling at the full moon has deep roots in mythology. Although wolves tend to howl to communicate with their pack, it’s thought that the full moon’s light and presence make them more active at night.
• More Animal Attacks: There are reports suggesting an increase in wild animal attacks during full moon nights, especially among nocturnal predators, possibly due to their increased visibility and activity levels.

8. Increased Paranormal Activity

Many paranormal enthusiasts claim that the full moon amplifies supernatural occurrences, such as:

• Ghost Sightings: Some believe that ghost sightings and paranormal activity are more likely during the full moon, as the moon is thought to enhance psychic abilities or the energy needed for spirits to manifest.
• Heightened Psychic Sensitivity: It’s often said that people feel more spiritually or psychically attuned during the full moon, making it a popular time for tarot readings, séances, and other supernatural practices ⁸.

10. Agricultural Beliefs and Harvesting

Historically, many farmers believed that the full moon had a significant effect on crop growth and animal behavior. Some agricultural superstitions included:

• Planting and Harvesting: Some farmers still plant or harvest their crops according to the lunar calendar, believing that the full moon helps crops grow faster or influences the timing of harvests for better yields.
• Livestock Behavior: There’s also a belief that animals on farms, such as cows and chickens, act differently or become more agitated during the full moon.

11. Increases in Fires

Firefighters have reported an increase in house fires and wildfires during the full moon, particularly in rural areas ⁹. This could be due to a combination of factors, including increased outdoor activity, carelessness, and possibly the psychological effects that lead people to act more recklessly.

Coping with Full Moon Anxiety, Emotions and Mood Changes

If you’re someone who deeply feels the full moon effects on your mind and emotions, or in those around you, there are several coping methods you can use to get through this lunar cycle.

• Use calming crystals for anxiety to manage those increased nerves.
• Practice grounding techniques and use an anxiety fidget ring to stay rooted to the calming energy of the earth.
• Increase your self-care during the full moon, focusing on activities that release and rebalance emotions.
• Do something creative – dance, write in our guided anxiety journal, paint, sing, draw – do it all.
• Creating a calming nighttime routine to combat any disrupted sleep.
• Practice mindfulness and meditation to reduce anxiety and emotional outbursts.
• Use natural relaxation aids to help soothe your nerves and to stay in a more peaceful state of mind during emotionally heightened periods.
• Practice full moon rituals to release emotions and let go.
• Connect with nature for an extra boost of grounding and calming energies, especially when you’re feeling emotionally charged during a full moon.
• Engage in a gentle yoga practice to release stress and tension without overwhelming your nervous system. (Our readers get a 50% discount on online yoga here).
• Manifest! It’s said that the increased energy is the perfect time to manifest what you want in life. Learn how to manifest here.

Final Thoughts on The Full Moon Effects

Whether you believe in the full moon’s emotional influence or not, there’s something undeniably magical about the moon’s cycles. The effects of the full moon may vary from person to person, but paying attention to how you feel during different lunar phases can offer valuable insights into your emotional and mental health. Instead of dreading the full moon, consider embracing it as an opportunity to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.

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FAQs about the Impacts of the Full Moon

1. Does the full moon affect mood?
   Yes, many people report changes in mood during the full moon, though the exact cause remains debated.
2. Can a full moon affect humans?
   The full moon may affect sleep patterns, mood, and behavior in some individuals, though the effects vary widely.
3. Does the full moon affect people’s emotions?
   Some people experience heightened emotions or mood swings during the full moon, often attributed to sleep disturbances or sensitivity to light.
4. How does the full moon affect people’s sleep?
   The full moon’s brightness can disrupt sleep, leading to restlessness, insomnia, or lighter sleep.
5. Can the full moon make anxiety worse?
   Yes, the full moon can increase anxiety for some. This is potentially due to sleep disruption or psychological expectation.
6. Why do I feel different during a full moon?
   You might be more sensitive to the environmental changes that occur during the full moon, such as increased light and energy, which can affect your mood or sleep.

 

Use the full moon as a time to rest and to reflect. Learn how to use the moon’s energy in a positive way through manifestation and you will no longer fear turning into a self-proclaimed werewolf when this moon phase rolls around.

References:

1. Lieber, A. L., & Sherin, C. R. (1972). Homicides and the lunar cycle: Toward a theory of lunar influences on human emotional disturbance. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 33(2), 4-10.
2. Chaput, J. P., Weippert, M., Leblanc, C., et al. (2013). The association between the lunar cycle and sleep: An exploratory study. Sleep Medicine, 14(4), 349-355.
3. Tazo, T., & Bina, R. (2021). Effects of lunar phases on hospital admissions for psychiatric disorders: A cross-sectional study. The Psychiatric Quarterly, 92(4), 823-832.
4. Owens, D. K., & McGowan, P. W. (2007). Full moon and fatal motorcycle crashes: A time series study of lunar cycles and road accidents. The British Medical Journal, 334(7590), 471-472.
5. Durm, M. W. (1996). Lunar phases and crime: Fact or fallacy? Perceptual and Motor Skills, 83(2), 667-670.
6. Raison, C. L., & Klein, H. M. (2012). Lunar cycle effects in bipolar disorder: A review of the evidence. Bipolar Disorders, 14(5), 539-548.
7. Vollmer, J. & Dudley, R. (2001). Animal behavior and lunar cycles: Patterns of activity. Journal of Animal Ecology, 70(1), 55-67.
8. Thompson, P. & Hart, J. (2006). Full moon and paranormal phenomena: Investigating the connection. Paranormal Research Review, 45(2), 231-245.
9. Adams, J. & Hopkins, S. (2001). Lunar cycles and fire department call volume: Analysis of full moon nights. Firehouse Magazine, 30(7), 53-56.