Why is it that when you are the brightest in the sky, everyone seems to go a little bit loopy?

This phenomena occurs too regularly to be coincidence.

The moon comes out to shine in all its glory and everyone seems to go a little bit wacko.

Many cultures believe in moon mythology or folklore. 

The Japanese believe that the moon and the sun cycle alternating in the sky, is really a Shinto-deity.

She exiled her brother to the night, thus separating night and day.

In ancient Rome, Luna was said to ride a chariot across the sky each night. 

One of the scarier myths is that of the werewolf, depicted in movies and literature as a shape-shifting creature that, with the rise of the full moon, turns into a gruesome animal that feeds on the innocent.

However, published research does still not prove that behavioural and psychological changes are caused by a full moon, scientifically speaking. 

Although, according to one scientific report, the lunar cycle affects more species than humans, including insects, fish, birds, rats, mice, and sheep.

In particular, it affects hormonal changes in insects and fish, although in laboratory rats it affects taste sensitivity; and in sheep, its red blood cells. 

It also showed that it does have an impact on human reproduction, in particular fertility, menstruation and birth rate.

This could explain that women may be more susceptible to changes.

The full moon could also affect our sleep cycles by up to 20 minutes according to one article, because of how we’re attuned to the moon’s orbit.

It also suggested that the gravitational pull of the moon may trigger the release of neuro-hormones.

Some research even suggests that violent episodes occur more in a full-moon, while other studies completely reject the claims.

So where to from here?

There is a certain logic to it, with our bodies being made up of 80 per cent water, and the moon having an effect on the tides.

So, while the full moon was earlier this week (Monday, January 21), there shouldn’t be any further unexplained behaviour. 

Keep an eye for the next full moon on February 19, and any ensuing outbreaks of chaos.