For centuries, people have marveled at the moon’s mystique, wondering about its pull on human emotions. The word “lunacy” is rooted in the Latin luna, meaning “moon,” capturing ancient beliefs about lunar influence on mental health. But is there more than myth here? Modern science is now investigating how moon phases may affect mood, particularly in individuals with bipolar disorder.
The belief that the full moon can excite and disturb human behavior is deeply rooted in culture, language and anecdotal lore, but it tends to be regarded as a myth by the scientific community because it is not supported by epidemiological research. The findings are complex and intriguing, revealing subtle rhythms in nature that might interact with the mind; however, modern science largely holds an ambivalent stance.
The Lunar-Bipolar Connection: The Latest Research
Recent longitudinal observations show that manic-depressive cycles can become synchronized with lunar cycles, but do so in complex ways that are unlikely to have been detected by past studies.
Among the most compelling research on this topic is Dr. Thomas Wehr’s 2018 study, which delves into the lives of 17 patients with rapid cycling bipolar disorder. Wehr’s findings are striking: for some patients, mood cycles appeared to sync with three specific lunar rhythms:
- The 14.8-day spring-neap cycle
- The 13.7-day declination cycle
- The 206-day cycle of perigee-syzygies, known as “supermoons”
Some patients experienced mood shifts on every second or third lunar cycle, aligning with the moon’s gravitational pulse on Earth’s tides. This suggests an ebb and flow in the body that might mirror the celestial rhythms we so often overlook.
Possible Mechanisms: How the Moon Could Influence Mood
The precise mechanisms remain elusive, but researchers have theorized several ways lunar cycles could affect mood in bipolar disorder:
- Gravitational Pull: The moon’s gravitational force moves oceans, and some scientists speculate it may exert a subtler force on human physiology. Although this theory is unproven, it hints at gravitational shifts subtly affecting the body’s internal rhythms
- Circadian Rhythm Disruption: Circadian rhythms are the body’s natural timekeepers, regulating sleep, mood, and physical energy. The moon, especially its light during the full moon, might influence this biological clock, which could disrupt sleep and lead to mood shifts in those with bipolar disorder. Individuals with bipolar disorder are highly sensitive to sleep changes, making them potentially more susceptible to disruptions triggered by lunar phases. At BP Harmony, we have observed clients, who are not already biased towards astrological beliefs, express difficulty falling asleep on certain days of the month where the moon is full.
- Moonlight and Sleep Patterns: During full moons, increased light may affect sleep quality for some, potentially leading to mood instability. This could indirectly influence bipolar symptoms, as restful sleep is essential for emotional regulation. When sleep falters, especially for those with bipolar disorder, mood disturbances often follow
Clinical Implications and Future Directions for Researchers
While the evidence of a moon-bipolar connection remains inconclusive, this area of study could hold valuable insights for understanding mood disorders in general because it shows up among BP Harmony clients frequently. We are interested in finding more research with the following considerations:
- Personalized Monitoring: Given the potential variability, clinicians could consider tracking individual patients for signs of lunar influence on mood and sleep. If patients experience predictable mood patterns in sync with the lunar calendar, this information could guide more tailored treatment.
- Focus on Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder: Rapid cycling bipolar disorder, marked by frequent mood shifts within short timeframes, shows the strongest potential for lunar cycle effects. We find these clients are the most sensitive to other environmental changes like temperature, pressure, air quality, pollen, sunlight and even things like smell, sound, and touch. Researching this subset of bipolar disorder may help clarify whether lunar rhythms significantly affect individuals prone to rapid mood changes.
- Longitudinal Studies: Long-term studies tracking mood and sleep across an entire lunar cycle could provide a more accurate picture of any connection between lunar phases and mood. Such research might reveal hidden patterns over time and highlight which, if any, lunar phases correlate with mood shifts. We are curious to learn if correlation means causation.
- Biological Pathways: Exploring how lunar cycles might influence melatonin production or other circadian markers could clarify how environmental factors affect mood in bipolar disorder. This research could also identify new avenues for managing the disorder, especially for individuals sensitive to environmental rhythms.
Conclusion: Scientifically Unproven, Culturally Significant
Until more research emerges, it’s best to approach this topic with scientific caution and curiosity. For patients and clinicians alike, the focus should remain on proven strategies for managing bipolar disorder—such as medication, therapies like the BP Harmony Five Pillars, and maintaining stable sleep routines. Still, as science continues to explore how the natural world shapes our inner lives, there’s hope that understanding the rhythms around us could lead to more personalized mental health care.
There is, however, no denying the immense influence culture plays in shaping individuals’ beliefs about the moon’s parallel interaction with health; we have noticed this tendency particularly among our female clients. At BP Harmony, we work with clients’ assumed cognitive frames by stating that there is no denying their “experience” with the moon, often running with the assumption of a powerful placebo effect. Regardless of either vantage, there is no doubt that the moon can play a big role in affecting individuals with bipolar disorder if that belief is rooted in their mind already.
