The moon has exerted an incredible fascination on people for thousands of years. Many people are particularly fascinated by the supermoon because it appears larger and brighter than an ordinary full moon. But it’s not just the special appearance that seems to have an effect on us: Many people report that they sleep worse on nights with a supermoon. Is this just imagination or is there actually scientific proof? As experts in the field of sleep, we would like to take a closer look at the phenomenon of the supermoon and its effect on us below.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when the full moon – or the new moon – is at perigee. This is the name given to the position of the moon that is closest to the earth. As the moon’s orbit is elliptical, the celestial body is sometimes closer and sometimes further away from the earth. In the case of the supermoon, the distance to Earth can be between 356,000 and 370,000 km, while the average distance is around 384,000 km. Due to its proximity to the Earth, the moon appears up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than an ordinary full moon.
However, our human eye cannot always perceive this difference in size quite so clearly. What is undoubtedly noticeable, however, is the increased brightness of the moon, which also makes a visible difference in the landscape at night.
How does the supermoon affect sleep?
As already mentioned, many people report that they sleep worse on nights with a supermoon. But is there actually any scientific evidence for this?
A study conducted by the University of Basel in 2013 showed that on full moon nights, people took an average of 5 minutes longer to fall asleep, their deep sleep phase was shortened by around 30% and they slept 20 minutes less overall. The researchers also found that melatonin levels – the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle – were lower on these nights. One reason for this could be the brightness on nights with a full moon, as melatonin production is inhibited by light.
A supermoon could have an even greater influence here, as it is brighter than an ordinary full moon. Those who are very sensitive to light could have problems sleeping deeply and restfully as a result. Particularly in urban areas, where artificial lighting is already high, this effect can potentially be amplified, as the additional moonlight is reflected and intensifies the general night lighting.
In addition to biological factors, subjective perception also plays a major role. If people believe that the supermoon is disturbing their sleep, they pay more attention to their sleep patterns and may perceive them as worse – even if there is not much of a difference objectively. This psychological effect is also known from other areas, such as the placebo or nocebo effect. If someone is firmly convinced that the moon disturbs their sleep, this alone can lead to a poorer night’s sleep.
If you are interested in the topic of “Full moon and sleep”, you can find more exciting information in our article Full moon: Sleep research confirms influence on sleep.
Does the supermoon have other effects on the body?
In addition to sleep behavior, there are other theories about the influence of the supermoon on our bodies. For example, some people report that they feel more emotional or irritable on full moon nights – and especially during a supermoon. However, there is no scientific evidence for this.
As already mentioned, there is evidence that moonlight has an influence on our body’s melatonin production. It is possible that the brightness of a super moon could also have an effect on other hormones that control our circadian rhythm. However, this has not yet been further researched or scientifically proven.
Full moons and supermoons may also have an influence on sleepwalking. There are reports that sleepwalking occurs more frequently on nights with a full moon. A supermoon could theoretically increase this effect as it is even brighter. However, there is still no scientific proof of this.
Tips for better sleep during a supermoon
For all those who sleep less well during a supermoon, we have put together some simple measures below that can ensure a better night’s sleep:
- Darkening the bedroom: As moonlight is a possible factor in poorer sleep, it may be worth keeping the bedroom as dark as possible. Special blackout curtains or a sleep mask can help to reduce the brightness.
- Avoid blue light in the evening: The artificial light from screens can also inhibit melatonin production. It is therefore generally advisable to avoid using smartphones, tablets and computers for at least one hour before going to bed.
- Maintain familiar sleep rituals: Regular sleeping habits help the body to get used to a fixed rhythm. Relaxing evening rituals such as reading, meditation, yoga or even a warm bath or shower can make it easier to fall asleep.
- Don’t focus too much on the supermoon: The less importance you attach to the appearance of a supermoon, the less you focus on it. There is less excitement and a possible fear of poor sleep. If you stay relaxed during a supermoon, you are likely to sleep better.
Bedding for better sleep during the supermoon
Of course, suitable bedding also has a positive influence on our sleep. The scent of Swiss stone pine is said to have a sleep-promoting effect. We therefore recommend our ZIRBERELLA® Swiss stone pine comforter with a 100% cotton filling, enriched with Swiss stone pine wood flakes from sustainable forestry. These exude a pleasant and gentle wood fragrance that radiates a sense of cozy calm. Our range also includes the matching ZIRBERELLA® Swiss stone pine pillow with a filling of virgin sheep’s wool, which also contains Swiss stone pine wood flakes. The CLIMATRAUM® topper is filled with innovative climate fibers that create a balanced and pleasant sleeping atmosphere thanks to their excellent moisture and temperature management. Sturdy elastic bands at the corners ensure that the topper stays firmly in place on the mattress. In addition, the topper can be washed at up to 60 °C, which also makes it suitable for allergy sufferers.
