Deciphering the Connection Between Bipolar, Moons, and Moods ...

Deciphering the Connection Between Bipolar, Moons, and Moods
Humanity has long been intrigued by the moon, speculating how it may affect behavior. New evidence links the lunar cycle and bipolar disorder symptoms.
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Humanity has been intrigued by the moon since antiquity. Our passion for it is reflected in literary works, including the children’s book Good Night Moon, and news reports on moon-related events, such as the appearance of the blue moon. The moon has long guided farmers as they gathered their crops under the glow of the Harvest Moon, the bright, full moon that occurs closest to the start of autumn.
And, for many, there is a feeling of inescapable joy in walking in the light of a full moon. It is magical.
How the Moon Affects Us and Our Moods
Pragmatists and “down-to-Earth” researchers have tested the hypothesis that more “things” happen during a full moon, or in sync with the lunar phase. Large studies generally show the lunar cycle is not associated with more ER visits or psychiatric hospitalizations. Yet a lingering question remains: Is human behavior influenced by the phases of the moon? The answer is unequivocally “Yes.”
A team of researchers from the United States and Argentina found human sleep cycles vary according to the 29.5-day lunar cycle, as reported in the journal Science Advances. As the moon waxes toward a full moon, people go to bed later and sleep shorter periods of time. This occurred among rural, indigenous people in Argentina, and urban-dwelling college students in Seattle, Washington, regardless of availability of electricity. Bedtimes varied by up to 30 minutes and the total amount of sleep differed from between 46 to 58 minutes across the lunar cycle. Later bedtimes were associated with less sleep.
This leads to another important question: Does the lunar cycle affect symptoms of bipolar?
Yes, it very likely does. Observations of sleep and mood patterns support this. Early studies began with a report of an individual with bipolar who kept meticulous observations of his mood and sleep patterns and provided them to researchers interested in circadian rhythms. The patterns aligned with the lunar phase.
Follow-up studies showed others who reported rapid cycling of mood states also seemed to follow a lunar, cyclical pattern. One family in our Prechter Bipolar Program simply stated they planned activities according to the phase of the moon, as their loved one who experiences symptoms of bipolar had mood changes that followed the moon. They backed this up with years of daily feedback. We applied information on lunar phases from the weather office and verified their observations!
The Link Between Sleep and Lunar Cycles
This all leaves many considerations to ponder. People with bipolar disorder are sensitive to changes in sleep patterns. One of the triggers for elevated and energized mood is loss of sleep. Does the increased amount of light in the days leading to a full moon trigger increased energy and disrupted sleep? Possibly, as any sleep disruption can be problematic.
The observations from the U.S.-Argentine study, along with emerging reports of an effect of lunar phase on a small number those who experience bipolar, are compelling. The studies have been scientifically reviewed and approved. We need to learn if the effect of the lunar phase affects all of those with bipolar or only a small number, for instance, those with rapid cycling. My impression is some are affected more than others, and the effects may vary throughout the year, according to cloud cover and other situations. For example, might a full moon on the weekend have a greater effect than one during the week, as one may be out for the evening and wake later?
So, what does this mean for the person with bipolar who is often super-sensitive to changes in light? Changes in time zones and seasons often disrupt sleep and mood patterns. Keeping a regular bedtime and sleep schedule is critical when living with bipolar. May we treasure the reassurance of our childhood memories of Good Night Moon and get a good sleep.
16 Comments
I am definitely moon phase sensitive – increased anxiety as it waxes. When I was younger, the energy boost was pleasurable. Now, at 83, I mostly feel anxiety and medicate by internet use. I also keep my room absolutely dark at night and put on eyeshades when I first wake in the morning so I can go back to sleep. I’m not comfortable taking medications – had negative side effects when I was younger. Thank you for this site – it reminds me that I am not the only person with a volatile brain. That is a comfort.
I find I am extremely sensitive to the moon cycles, but I haven’t documented the changes to be able to form an overall picture… Definitely something I’ll look more closely at, especially after reading this article… Thanks for sharing! 🐱✌️🙏💯🌱❤️
Hi…so basically i had 2 episodes of mania in the last two years n i found myself being inclined towards the moon…kinda obsessed as it felt peaceful by looking at it at the night…. different phases Just like the phases of life….n i also got myself inked on phases of moon n Egyptian symbolisation of ra…n then today i read a blink on blinkist on moon n it’s influence on humans n got to know about some connection in it
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