Do full moons effect a persons behavior?

Question

I've been trying to research on it, and have found nothing.
Does a full moon effect a persons behavior?
I've heard that we have chemicals in our brain and that the gravitational pull of the moon pulls on the chemicals and effects their behavior.
Is it true?

Answer 1

Everything from increases in violent crime and psychotic behavior to stock market fluctuations has been blamed on the effects of the fully illuminated moon. In 19th-century England, lawyers used the "guilty by reason of the full moon" defense to claim that their "lunatic" clients could not be held accountable for acting under the moon's influence.

In his 1978 best seller, How the Moon Affects You, psychiatrist Arnold Lieber argued rather unscientifically that the moon has an effect on the human body (which is 65 percent water) that is similar to its pull on the ocean's tides.

Despite these many assertions, scientists who have investigated the matter have come up empty-handed. University of Sydney researchers found no link to the moon's cycle in two separate studies, one of violent or aggressive behavior, the other of dog bites that required human hospitalization.

And in an analysis that ought to put to rest any lingering doubts, Ivan Kelly, a psychologist at the University of Saskatchewan, found in a review of over 100 studies of lunar cycles and behavior -- including emergency room admissions and suicide attempts -- nothing to suggest that humans are affected by Earth's satellite.

So why do 81 percent of mental health professionals, according to a University of New Orleans study, believe that lunar cycles affect human behavior? Part of the reason is historical: The illuminated moon played a more prominent role for our ancestors as both a calendar and a night-light. Before electric lighting became ubiquitous, a bright moon was more likely to disrupt sleep, producing widespread grouchiness.

Kelly also cites what psychologists call confirmation bias, selective thinking whereby we seek out information that confirms our beliefs and ignore evidence that challenges them. Says Kelly, "Some beliefs are just exciting to hold, whatever the evidence."

web site included for further research.

Answer 2

I have also heard this..but I have never seen any evidence that my behavior or anyone I know is any different during a full moon than any other time...

I do know some nurses that swear that during a full moon more babies are born....they think it has something to do with the body having so much water and the gravitational pull of the moon that causes more people to go into labor...or something like that............

Answer 3

"Psychologists, however, have found that there is no strong evidence for effects on human behaviour around the time of a full moon."
However, that being said- personal experience and general observation for a full moon is that yes, it does effect people- though I don't believe it's all in the same way. Ask any ER doctor and they'll tell you that they keep the hospital well staffed on full moons. I can't tell you for sure why, but it's definitely something I've seen to be true.

Answer 4

When I worked as a bartender, people just seemed a little nuttier than normal right before a full moon. I called it PMS (pre-moon syndrome), but it never really caught on. Don't know why.

If you check with Emergency Rooms, they will probably say that they seem to have more activity just prior to a full moon as well. Maybe it only feels that way???

Someone should do an official study!

Answer 5

The human body is 89% water, this is a fact often stated in science books, as such it is affected by a full moon in the same way the ocean is. With this extra magnetic force upon our bodies, people will react in different ways.

Answer 6

I was cut on my arm .badly.after I found some guys in my car stealing from me and I jumped on them,it was a full moon.
I left my wife on a full moon.
I have noticed a person with a mental problem I know gets angry & upset more easily while theirs a full moon.
more babys or born % wise on a full moon.
Hospital emegency rooms or always full on a full moon .especially the evening time.

I saw a rare full Moon rainbow one evening.

Answer 7

i think its true. the moon affects the tides, and the tides are at their strongest during a full moon. our bodies are mostly water- so it only stands to reason.
my experience working in a restaurant tells me the crazy ones arrive a day or two before and leave a day or two after a full moon. i know several people in service industries who feel the same way!!

Answer 8

I'm not sure you are ging to find any scientiific proof, but almost anyone who deals with the publis knows there are certain days during the month when a more than average number of loonies (that's a technical term) show up.

Answer 9

I don't know if there is any "hard" evidence . . but I know that when there is a full moon I have trouble sleeping.

Answer 10

That is why Lunatics are called lunatics!
It is to do with the moon!
Lunar!!!!