We’ve all heard that a full moon can make people act crazy — but what does science really say?
View this post on Instagram
A 2021 report has shown that people in both rural and urban areas exhibit changes in sleep patterns in the days leading up to a full moon. Many were surprised by this study, as it’s long been thought that light pollution in urban areas causes changes in sleep patterns.
The study showed that in the days approaching a full moon, people often stayed up later and woke up earlier, resulting in up to a 90-minute difference in total time asleep.
View this post on Instagram
Studies like this make many people wonder just how something as seemingly innocuous as the light of the moon can cause such significant changes in behavior.
Some scientists hypothesize that our bodies have evolved to utilize moonlight much like sunlight. Perhaps our ancestors relied on the light of the full moon to hunt or move through unsafe territories at night.
View this post on Instagram
Changes in sleeping patterns can often lead to strange daytime behavior during a full moon, but so far, studies are mostly inconclusive.
Some studies have shown significant changes — such as an increased number of arrests, dog bites, and other strange happenings — while others have shown no connection.
Check out the full video below that goes into detail about why so many see the full moon as a strong cause in behavior changes.