The moon has been an eternal source of fascination to the human race and has been the centre of many beliefs, rituals and superstitions over the centuries. And while a full moon won’t turn you into a werewolf or make you go insane, there are some studies that claim it will affect your sleep patterns. As the world is about to see a Super Blue Moon across the days of August 30 - 31, 2023, it’s a good time to explore how that will affect your well-being.
What is a Super Blue Moon?
A super blue moon is a special event that happens when the Moon looks bigger and brighter in the sky than usual. This occurs when three things coincide: First, the Moon is in its "full" phase, which means it's completely lit up by the Sun as we see it from Earth. Second, the Moon is also at a point in its orbit where it's closer to our planet, making it appear larger and more impressive. Finally, the "blue" in blue moon refers to the occurrence of a full moon twice in one month or the third in a season. Its name doesn't mean the Moon turns blue but rather refers to the fact that it's a rare phenomenon. When all these three factors coincide, we get a Super Blue Moon.
How Does The Super Blue Moon Affect Sleep?
We already know that the cycle between day and night determines our circadian rhythms and by extension the length and quality of our sleep. But in a paper published in Science Advances, conducted by scientists at the University of Washington, the National University of Quilmes in Argentina and Yale University they determined that in days leading up to a full moon, people tended to sleep later, and not as long suggesting that the lunar cycle also affects our internal sleep clock.
To avoid any restless nights, try these 6 soothing, herbal drinks:
Cherry Juice:
Natural, sugar-free Cherry juice or tart cherry juice, is a natural source of melatonin – the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Drinking cherry juice can help to increase melatonin levels in the body and thus improve sleep duration and quality.
Chamomile Tea:
An old remedy for better sleep, the flowers of the Chamomile plant can be dried and steeped to make a mild tea. It contains compounds like apigenin that interact with brain receptors and induce a calming effect. Apigenin is believed to bind to specific receptors in the brain that reduce anxiety and initiate sleepiness, making chamomile tea a great choice before bedtime.
Warm Milk:
This is surely one that you’ve been having since you were a child, but its also backed by science. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that serves as a precursor to serotonin and melatonin – neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation and sleep-wake cycles. The warmth of the milk also has a soothing effect that can help you unwind before bedtime.
Ashwagandha Tea:
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its stress-reducing properties. Ashwagandha tea can help lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promote relaxation. By reducing stress and anxiety, it indirectly contributes to better sleep quality.
Haldi Doodh:
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric milk, often referred to as "golden milk," combines turmeric with warm milk and other spices like black pepper and cinnamon. This warm and comforting drink can help reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, indirectly aiding in better sleep.
Cinnamon Tea:
A delicious drink with soothing properties. Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, which has been linked to improved sleep quality by regulating blood sugar levels and reducing inflammation. Stable blood sugar levels can prevent spikes and crashes that might disrupt sleep, while the warmth and aroma of cinnamon tea can create a calming atmosphere.