Many cultures, down through the ages, credited the moon with a great deal of influence. Even today, many of the New Age religions worship the Moon. An apt name, for the moon does control the ebb and flow of liquids, be it bodily fluids or the mighty rush of the ocean tides. Many calendars and almanacs carry Moon Phase Planting Guides and even Fishing Guides. But whether or not you believe that the moon can cause a person to go mad, the full moon does seem to have an effect on emotional balance.
Prison wardens know it's a time of cell block fights, riots and general discord among inmates.
Those in charge of mental institutions would be well advised to keep a close watch on their charges, and the wise policeman stays more alert than usual when walking his beat. Even animals seem to be influenced by the moon. And don't forget the creatures of Myth and Legend. With all these many links to the moon, it should come as no surprise that, when the moon is full, some people suffer from insomnia, others suffer from strange dreams and nightmares and some people sleepwalk. And others, for some reason, sleep better when the moon is full, even if it's shining on the bed through an open blind.