Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

Why do I have trouble sleeping during a full moon?

77 Answers
Last Updated: 12/06/2015 at 11:22pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Jill Kapil, PsyD

Psychologist

I have over 9 years of clinical experience, specialize in anxiety, and am passionate about my work. My approach is collaborative, empathic, supportive, and goal-oriented.

Top Rated Answers
Exellisten2012
November 15th, 2015 11:51pm
Well full moons are extremely pretty and interesting. Also the effect of a full moon may be causeing your body to react in a way that is different from others.
Ksha97
November 18th, 2015 10:03am
Full moon is so rare All my brain wants is to appreciate the beauty of it , thus I have trouble sleeping
Anonymous
November 18th, 2015 9:49pm
When the moon is full its so hard for me to sleep. The way it lights up the trees and the grass out my window is so beautiful that I can't help to stay awake.
saisagar
November 19th, 2015 5:29am
actually nothing makes a diffrnce wthr it is a full moon or half moon. its just ur mind set wch u have to overcome,
MetallicDevi
November 19th, 2015 9:42pm
It is important to know the truth. Not knowing the truth and just presuming about it is scarier. Face to face talks are the best things to fill in the voids.
SN
November 21st, 2015 3:08am
There should be no trouble sleeping during a full moon. If you think it is really connected to the moon, you need to see a doctor.
Anonymous
November 21st, 2015 4:21pm
You are most probably a werewolf and need to change into your true form. Good luck being a wear wolf.
Myheadisamessyworld
November 22nd, 2015 2:13pm
Maybe you watch too much Teen Wolf ;-) haha no seriously, some studies show that full moon can have an impact on the mood, but you don't need to worry ;-)
Anonymous
November 22nd, 2015 7:03pm
no i do not because i am not a werewolf. but sometimes i eat dead people like a zombie for fun an stuff
Anonymous
November 7th, 2015 6:41pm
does full moon make you anxious? its not abnormal to have trouble sleeping now and then. Its only a problem if it makes you dysfunctional in some way in a chronic manner. So, dont worry.
HelpWisely
November 26th, 2015 3:22am
According to scientists, we have an internal biological clock hardwired into our genes which means we sleep less when the moon is full. We also take longer to nod off, and when we finally do asleep it us a lot lighter that our regular sleep. However, this has nothing to do with the moon’s glow, or even its gravitational pull.....or you could be a warewolf...haha :)
lillitiger
November 26th, 2015 4:45pm
I love the beautiful moon, ever since I was little I would stay outside just to watch it all night.
gracefulSunshine62
November 27th, 2015 5:01am
During full moons there is more light in the sky and it can be harder to sleep when it is brighter out.
Seenite
November 27th, 2015 6:00pm
It is all because of our inner caveman. It takes longer to fall asleep during fool moons and you have a much lighter sleep. It is believed that our ancestors internal clocks did this to help defend against the increse of predators who used to come out during a full moon.
Brightheart993
November 28th, 2015 12:37am
One study has proven that on a night with a full moon, it may take a person twice as long to fall asleep because there is more light in the sky. Another study states that the gravitational pull of the moon can even affect brain activity, resulting in a disrupted sleep. A third reason you may have trouble sleeping is that our ancestors would be up and about hunting for food during a full moon and our bodies just haven't outgrown this habit.
PsychologistGaz
August 21st, 2015 12:44am
There's just something about the brightness of the moon peeking through the blinds that keeps me awake longer than normal.
OverPouringCup
August 20th, 2015 6:02pm
Nit sure never really have heard about some one not being able to sleep while full moon, but of you are unable to sleep may be full moon might not be the real cause but some underlying emotion that's being triggered by the presence of a full moon.
Jerome28
November 29th, 2015 2:28pm
Usually, lupine creatures have a predilection for nocturnal activity during particular phases of lunar activity.
Anonymous
December 5th, 2015 7:18am
The one reason is light. A full moon is a considerable light source and a little change in your sleeping enviroment can actually keep you awake. But that's no problem proper blinds couldn't solve. The other is a self fulfilling prophecy based on the superstition that you sleep worse during a full moon. The fear about not being able to sleep properly will be enough to keep you awake. Otherwise there is no scientific evidence that a full moon has any influence on the quality of sleep.
Anonymous
August 19th, 2015 2:18pm
Why so many questions about sleeping? If that's your only problem just drink a glass of milk before going to bed and leave me alooone :(((
Claudiasfm
October 25th, 2015 7:52pm
I had trouble sleeping during the full moon. As far as I am concerned the energy of the moon is higher during that period and it might affect sleeping. Relaxation exercises helped me.
AuntieLili
September 10th, 2015 5:05am
I do not recall having problems sleeping during a full moon. The only problem I recall is if its light was coming in too bright through the windows. At that point I would just close tight.
RachieeW
September 12th, 2015 3:59am
Yep! This is an actual thing. No you are not a werewolf. Our circadian systems adapted to the lunar cycle and somehow affected how we sleep when the moon is full. Our body senses the light and cycle and reacts accordingly.
CrazyBeautifulMemories
September 12th, 2015 10:05pm
Because you are a werewolf. Just kidding. Maybe it's all that light though. So try getting some curtains.
Anonymous
August 29th, 2015 2:48pm
The solar radiation reflected by the full moon and the lunar tidal force might modify brain activity.
Emily619
September 16th, 2015 2:52am
You have trouble sleeping during a full moon because of the brightness of the moon, possibly, or even the superstition of the full moon.
txalant
September 18th, 2015 9:29pm
Even if the moon has as significant an effect on sleep as the study suggests, what’s less clear is the mechanism behind it. Dark labs eliminate the variable of light, so that can’t be it. And before you ask, no, it’s not gravity either. The authors stress that while lunar gravity does indeed raise tides in the oceans, it doesn’t on lakes and even many seas. Those bodies are simply too small to feel the effects—to say nothing of human bodies.
Anonymous
September 19th, 2015 2:37am
Your sleep and the lunar cycle is thought to somehow be connected. Here is an article if you would like to read more on the matter http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20130726/moon-bad-sleep
MultipleMinds
September 24th, 2015 4:01am
Maybe it's your nerves and anxiety. Do you believe in superstition? I've had experiences where I've actually convinced myself that it was something. (in your case the moon)
Mathsy
September 25th, 2015 7:16pm
From experience, I would find that the light from a full moon would seep through my blinds making it too light to fall asleep. Of course, that might just be me, but who knows :P