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The moon has been linked to countless superstitions throughout various cultures, even though it doesn’t really stand out in any remarkable way. There are far more fascinating satellites out there in our solar system. From mystical practices to relationship tips shared on Instagram, many people believe the moon exerts a greater influence over our daily routines than evidence supports, despite numerous studies showing otherwise.
Amid all the talk about the moon’s phases affecting romantic encounters and its portrayal as a villain in folklore, we often overlook the truly odd effects it has on life on Earth. Various species—including humans—react to the lunar cycle in strange ways. Some of these responses have developed through centuries of evolution, while others remain a mystery.
10. The Menstrual Cycle Mirrors the Lunar Cycle
Venturing into the more eccentric corners of the Internet, you'll encounter a host of strange associations with the moon. However, much of this is grounded in no scientific facts—much like the rest of the Internet—since the moon is simply a cold chunk of rock, endlessly orbiting our planet.
Some of the theories we once dismissed might not have been as far-fetched as we initially thought, as science is slowly uncovering. Take, for instance, the long-held belief that the menstrual cycle aligns with the lunar cycle—an idea embraced by cults throughout history. It might seem like medieval superstition, but there’s solid scientific evidence supporting it. Several studies have found clear connections between the lunar and menstrual cycles. One study even suggests that women experience elevated hormone levels around the full moon.
While the reason for this connection remains unclear, we can turn to some expert speculations. Charles Darwin suggested that the menstrual cycle’s alignment with the moon’s cycle served an evolutionary purpose. It supported his then-developing theory that humans originated from the sea, suggesting that we once adapted our reproductive cycles to the lunar tides. Although we’re no experts, this theory resonates with us, as the average length of the menstrual cycle closely mirrors the lunar cycle.
9. Lemur Reproduction
It’s clear we’ve exaggerated the moon’s influence on animals over the years, though some anecdotal evidence implies wolves might have a unique reaction to it. Scientifically, the moon has little impact on most animals, but it does appear to have some odd effects on a few species.
Lemurs, for example, have been observed to be much more active during a full moon, covering greater distances and generally being more energetic and out in the open.
These creatures are so reliant on the moon that they essentially go into shutdown mode during darker nights or lunar eclipses, although the exact reason remains unclear. One theory suggests it’s due to the light levels present during various lunar phases. While this could explain it, the question arises: why haven’t other diurnal animals evolved in a similar way?
8. Our Sleep Patterns
We all experience occasional sleepless nights. Many factors can contribute—stress, weather, even the location of your home. While most of the time, the cause is identifiable and can be fixed, there are moments when it seems like there's no explanation. We can’t account for all instances of poor sleep here, but if you notice erratic sleep patterns during certain times of the month, it might be worth checking the moon’s phases.
A researcher from the University of Basel uncovered some scientific support for the long-standing belief that the moon impacts our sleep cycles. His findings showed that people took five minutes longer to fall asleep during a full moon, and their total sleep time decreased by an average of 20 minutes. Additionally, lower melatonin levels were reported, along with a reduction in brain activity.
7. Crimes
The moon has long been linked to aggression and criminal activity, yet we’ve never fully understood why. Many isolated and independent cultures have considered the moon a harbinger of chaos, attributing feelings of restlessness and rage to this celestial body, often blaming their most primal instincts on a rock suspended in the sky.
Though there’s been no scientific evidence to support this theory, some recent studies suggest the moon might influence our collective psyche—at least in terms of how we monitor our streets at night. A study conducted by the Sussex police found a clear increase in crime rates during full moons. However, they admitted they didn’t know why, as they’re law enforcement officers, not psychologists. This pattern isn’t unique; higher instances of crime and violence during full moons have been observed globally.
6. Crisis Hotline Calls
With so many potential stressors in life, it’s easy to lose track of what’s causing anxiety. It’s a natural part of daily life, and identifying the root causes is key for maintaining productivity and healthy relationships. Sometimes, though, there’s little you can do because your stress is caused by the moon.
A study based on crisis center call data revealed a noticeable increase in calls during new moons, suggesting that the moon might be influencing our stress levels. Interestingly, this effect was observed only in women, as men actually made fewer calls during this time.
5. It Influences Lions’ Hunting Habits
While we wouldn’t recommend testing this theory, if you ever find yourself in a lion’s territory, your survival options are limited. Running or attempting to fight a lion would likely end badly, and the situation becomes even riskier—according to scientific findings—if it’s the day following a full moon.
A study published in PloS ONE revealed that African lions become significantly more aggressive in the days following a full moon, with a higher likelihood of attacking humans. Although this may seem like random behavior at first, it’s actually in line with the lions' hunting patterns. Lions don’t require much light to hunt, but a full moon makes prey more aware of danger, causing them to flee, which leads to less food availability for the lions.
The days right after a full moon are optimal for lions to hunt, as they instinctively compensate by targeting more prey and exhibiting increased aggression compared to usual.
4. Animal Bites
Living among a wide variety of species, animal bites are an unfortunate but inevitable part of life. Whether from birds, snakes, or even big cats, we've encountered bites from almost every creature imaginable. While some bites may lead to serious health issues, we’ve come to realize that there’s little we can do to prevent them. Animal bites are just as much a natural occurrence as rainfall.
Interestingly, animal bites might not be as random as previously thought. There could be an unusual link between these bites and the phases of the moon. One study discovered that the frequency of animal bites surged during full moons, though the reason behind this remains a mystery. This pattern wasn’t confined to any one species either, as the research examined 1,621 cases of bites from various animals, suggesting this is a widespread phenomenon.
3. The Moon’s Influence on Bipolar Disorder
The moon has long been thought to affect our moods and mental states. While science hasn’t definitively proven this, many people have reported feeling more anxious or depressed during full moons. This may seem like superstition to some, but a study suggests that there might be some validity to these claims.
A study conducted by the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle aimed to determine if the lunar cycle had any impact on mood swings in patients with bipolar disorder. Surprisingly, the researchers found a direct link between the phases of the moon and the participants’ sleep and mood patterns, particularly during manic episodes. This corroborated the findings of a previous study on the same topic, which showed similar results.
2. It Makes Cats And Dogs More Prone To Injuries
As we’ve seen before, pets, along with other animals, tend to bite more frequently during a full moon for reasons that are still unclear. However, the moon’s influence on our most common pets – cats and dogs – goes beyond aggression; they are also more susceptible to injuries during this time.
A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that emergency room visits for cats and dogs spiked significantly during the full moon. While veterinarians had long suspected this connection, this was the first study to confirm it. The reason behind these injuries, however, remains unknown.
1. Its Weird Effects On Plants
As we’ve discovered, the moon has some odd effects on both animals and humans, but its influence extends even further. Research is revealing that the moon has notable effects on our green friends as well – plants. Numerous studies have found connections between the lunar cycle and plant growth, but many of these effects remain unexplained.
A study has shown that the growth of roots in a particular plant species from Africa, A. thaliana, is influenced by lunar tides. The plant's roots grew thicker and faster during the peak phases of the lunar tide. Additionally, previous research suggests that the movement of leaves in some plants could also be connected to lunar tidal forces.
