The Influence of Moon Phases on Human Sleep

Foreign media reports that with the discovery of Neptune's 14th moon (S/2004 N 1), scientists believe that the moons of each major planet in the solar system have their own characteristics. Earth's moon (the Moon) can influence all aspects of human society. NASA recently conducted a statistical survey of over 5,000 impact craters on the lunar surface, attempting to study organic pollutants near the craters. The moon, this celestial body closest to Earth, hides many secrets about the early solar system. Over the past several centuries, the moon has held a special position and legend in various Earth civilizations, and human life has been changed by the moon's existence, such as tides.

Scientists have discovered that during the evolution of Earth's organisms, the influence of the moon may have been "embedded." Changes in moon phases can even regulate human sleep structure.

The moon's gravitational effect on Earth produces tidal forces, resulting in regular ebb and flow. The largest known tide on Earth is in the Bay of Fundy, Canada, with a drop of 16.2 meters. Land also experiences varying degrees of erosion and change due to tidal forces. According to scientists' observations, the moon is moving away from us, averaging 3.78 centimeters (approximately 1.5 inches) per year. Over the past billion years, the moon has caused Earth's rotation to slow by 4 hours. If Earth's rotation were too slow, terrifying "swinging" would occur. Additionally, the tilt of the magnetic axis would bring increasingly extreme seasons. Unless humans can quickly adapt, or use technology to slow this process, Earth's ecosystems should accelerate evolution; otherwise, we will face extreme summers and harsh winters. Over the past several billion years, Earth and the moon have maintained a微妙 (subtle) relationship.

According to a recent survey, scientists have discovered that nighttime sleep quality is related to the moon. Christian Cajochen, a researcher at the Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Basel, believes that lunar cycles seem to affect people's sleep. In a survey of 33 volunteers, sleep was found to be poor during the full moon, with brain activity and deep sleep correlation decreasing by 30%. During the survey, researchers monitored the volunteers' brain patterns through eye movement and hormone secretion.

Scientists believe this is the first reliable evidence showing that the moon's cyclical motion can regulate human sleep structure. The entire process took place in a昼夜 (day-night) laboratory. Volunteers were unaware of external time concepts. Researchers further speculated that the moon may influence humans in other aspects as well, such as cognitive ability and emotions.