Have you ever wondered why the moon affects our mood, behavior, and health? Some people believe the moon can make us cry, murder, or act funny, but is there any logic behind it?
Different cultures have different views on the moon and its role in human affairs.
For instance, some cultures believe the full moon is a period of increased spiritual energy and creativity. Others believe that the full moon can cause madness and irrationality. These beliefs can influence how people see themselves and others, regardless of any actual effect of the moon.
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What is the importance of moon to humans?
The Moon is important to humans and life on Earth for many reasons. Some of them are:
- The Moon protects Earth’s atmosphere from the Sun’s solar wind, which could otherwise strip away the oxygen and other gases we need to breathe.
- The Moon causes the tides of the oceans, which help circulate nutrients and minerals in the water and also influence the migration and reproduction of many marine animals.
- The Moon stabilizes Earth’s spin axis, which prevents drastic changes in the climate and seasons. Earth could tilt more than 45 degrees without the Moon, making some regions too hot or too cold for life.
- The Moon provides natural light at night, which affects the biological rhythms and behaviors of many nocturnal animals and humans. The Moon also helps some animals navigate and orient themselves on land and in the air.
- The Moon may have played a role in the origin and evolution of life on Earth by creating the conditions for the primordial soup in the oceans and facilitating the transition of life from water to land.
The Lunar effect:
The lunar effect is a hypothesis that proposes that the moon can alter human behavior through its gravitational force. The proponents of this hypothesis claim that the moon can affect the water in our bodies, similar to how it affects ocean tides. They argue that the full moon can cause water retention in the body, resulting in mood changes, increased aggression, and even psychosis.
However, this hypothesis has been debunked by numerous scientific studies. For example, a study by the University of Saskatchewan showed no rise in hospital admissions for psychiatric disorders during the full moon. Another study published in the British Medical Journal showed no association between the lunar cycle and human behavior. Therefore, the lunar effect is not a valid explanation for human behavior.
The Moon and Our Emotions:
One of the most common beliefs is that the moon can affect our emotions, especially during the full moon phase. Some people report feeling more anxious, depressed, irritable, or restless during this time. But is there any scientific basis for this claim?
According to a meta-analysis of 37 studies published in 2016, there is no consistent evidence that the moon phases influence our mood or mental health. The researchers found that most of the studies had methodological flaws, such as small sample sizes, lack of control groups, or subjective measures of mood. They also noted that some studies showed positive effects, some showed negative effects, and some did not.
However, this does not mean that the moon does not affect us. Some people may be more sensitive to the moon’s gravitational pull, which can affect the tides and the water content in our bodies. It is also possible that cultural or psychological factors, such as expectations, beliefs, or media exposure, influence some people.
The Moon and Our Behavior:
Another popular belief is that the moon can affect our behavior, especially in terms of violence, aggression, or crime. The lunar effect theory, which claims that the full moon influences human behavior, has no scientific basis. However, there are psychological reasons why people might act differently when the moon is full. One reason is that the full moon provides more light and visibility at night, which can make people stay awake longer than usual. Lack of sleep can affect how people feel and behave.
Another reason is that the belief in the lunar effect can shape people’s expectations and actions. If someone thinks that the full moon will make them more funny or aggressive, they may act accordingly, even if the moon has no real effect on them.
Conclusion
The moon is a fascinating celestial object that has inspired many myths and legends throughout history. However, when it comes to its influence on humans, there needs to be a clear logic behind it. The scientific evidence suggests that the moon phases have no significant effect on our mood or behavior. However, this does not rule out the possibility that some people may experience subtle changes due to individual differences or external factors. Ultimately, the moon may affect us as much as we believe it does.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
