Moon phases are stages in a moon’s cycle for about 29 days. The time it takes for the moon to go through all phases is called a month. Depending on your location, the phases will change in order each month and vary in brightness. They are known to affect sleep after being linked with hormonal changes by some studies. The phases change so that during the daytime, sometimes the moon is not visible because it is below the horizon.
The moon symbolizes feminine energy, creativity, change, mystery, and psychic awareness. The moon is also linked to ocean tides and our bodies’ fluids like blood and water (hence why it influences menstruation cycles for women).
There are eight moon phases, with each one having a different effect. Below are the eight moon phases:
- New moon
The new moon is the first phase of the moon cycle, defined as a moon entirely in shadow. This phase is dark, and no light reaches the ground. The new moon phase occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth align straight. There are two new moons each month, so you may also see one new moon early in some months and then again the full moon in others.
- Waxing crescent
The waxing crescent is the 2nd stage of the moon phase. The moon is still gravitationally linked to the Earth, but it is getting closer and pulling away from the Earth at a greater or lesser rate. This phase occurs when the moon has grown more significant than its position on the horizon.
- First quarter
The first quarter is the third phase of the moon cycle. It is a moon that is 25-50% illuminated. This phase occurs at an angle where the moon appears to be half-lit and half-in shadow. This phase also corresponds with a small thin crescent moon.
- Waxing gibbous
The waxing gibbous is the fourth phase in the cycle. The moon is illuminated about 75% and appears oval. It is also getting more extensive than its position on the horizon.
- Full moon
The full moon is the final stage in the cycle. It is a waxing crescent that is 100% illuminated and appears bright at night. It is now getting more extensive than its position on the horizon. It also occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned so that all three bodies are straight.
- Waning gibbous
The waning gibbous phase occurs when the moon has gone from 75% to 25%. This phase occurs after the full moon and before the 3rd quarter. The moon is getting more diminutive than its position on the horizon. This phase actually corresponds with the 6th quarter of the moon, but it’s called the waning gibbous because the crescent is getting smaller and finally disappears.
- Last quarter
The last quarter is a waning crescent that is 25% illuminated and appears as a thin crescent shape in the sky. It occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned again, but at an angle with more than 50% illuminated but less than 25%.
- Waning crescent
The waning crescent is the opposite phase of the new moon. It occurs when the moon is entirely in shadow and getting smaller than its position on the horizon. This stage corresponds with the 7th quarter of the moon, but it’s called a waning crescent because it’s getting so small it’s almost invisible.
Moon phases affect our sleep patterns in varying ways. People fell asleep later and slept less on nights with more moonlight, usually caused by a full moon. This attributes to an increased sensitivity to light during sleep stages.
Other research indicates that the moon affects the body’s hormones with a sensitivity that varies depending on the phase. Our sleep patterns also worsen due to internal problems, such as hormonal imbalance or stress, which the moon phases can exacerbate.
Moon phases may have many different effects on our health and well-being. They may also be directly related to our sleep patterns. Many people live in areas where they experience a new moon every month, and exhibit increased sensitivity to light, causing them to fall asleep later and sleep less on nights with a full moon. The full moon may also affect the body’s internal clock and its production of melatonin excessively.
Researching consequences of HGH deficiency HGH clinic has teamed up with a sleep disorder expert to treat insomnia, depression, and other sleep problems. They have carried out research showing that our body temperature decreases when the moon is full. When we do not have enough sleep and the body temperature falls, it is easier for us to get sick.
The phases of the moon affect our sleep because of some reasons.
- Moonlight
When the moon is visible at night, it can prevent us from sleeping properly. Moonlight is a light source, and if we are sensitive enough to light, even in small amounts, we may find it hard to sleep.
- Gravity
Gravity affects our sleep patterns in both ways. A gravitational force links the moon and the Earth. When the moon is close to the Earth, it makes it easier for gravity to pull on our atmosphere and make it rise. When we are asleep and above, gravity makes us fall again, making us feel dizzy.
- Electromagnetism
Electromagnetism is a form of energy directly linked to the Earth. It is present in our body at all times, whether it is visible or not. The moon affects our bodies by interfering with this flow of electromagnetism, especially around the time of the full moon. Its gravitational pull on the atmosphere and gravitational pull on us also causes us to be sensitive to electromagnetic forces, such as radio waves found in televisions, microwaves, and mobile phones, which affect our sleep patterns and thoughts.
- Superstition
In some cases, the beliefs of our ancestors can affect our sleep patterns. For example, at one time, we believed that the moon could cause insanity, seizures, and other problems. These thoughts are still present in some people today, and they may find it hard to sleep because they worry that something terrible will happen.
The moon’s phases have a profound effect on our sleep patterns. We must know when they occur and stay on top of our sleep patterns. This will help us avoid oversleeping or not sleeping enough and also help to boost our energy levels and improve our health.