For centuries, humans have blamed the moon for our moods, accidents and even natural disasters. But new research indicates that our planet’s celestial companion impacts something else entirely - our sleep.

A new study led by University of Washington professor of biology Horacio de la Iglesia shows that sleep cycles in people oscillate as the moon gets bigger and smaller.

In the days leading up to a full moon, people go to sleep later in the evening and sleep for shorter periods of time.

The research team observed these variations in both urban and rural settings.

The pattern may indicate that our natural circadian rhythms are somehow synchronised with the phases of the lunar cycle.

The team confirmed that the evenings leading up to the full moon - when participants slept the least and went to bed the latest - have more natural light available after dusk.

The waxing moon is increasingly brighter as it progresses toward a full moon, and generally rises in the late afternoon or early evening, placing it high in the sky during the evening after sunset.

The waning moon also gives off significant light, but the moon rises so late in the evening you might not even see it at those points in the lunar cycle.

https://youtu.be/Q17i1srjOqY

Do you go to bed later and sleep less on nights before a full moon? Do you notice differences in your sleep patterns throughout the month?