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Sunday, December 6, 2009

Health folklore: Do you believe in the power of a full moon?

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Are you suspicious about full moons? I know people who swear that more crimes are committed, more babies are conceived and born, and more people are admitted to hospitals on nights where the moon is full. And when my sister told me her prediction--that my baby would be born on December 12 (next Friday!), when a full moon is predicted, I wondered what research had to say on the topic--and what you thought, too...

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Let me preface this by telling you that I am probably the least superstitious person I know. Cemeteries don't even freak me out. But I was a little spooked at what I read about full moons and how they affect human behavior.

Past studies suggest that some wacky things happen when a full moon is in the sky. For instance, University of Miami researchers analyzed crime data over the course of 15 years in the Miami area and found that violent crime was more likely to be committed on--you guessed it--full-moon nights. Still more studies have suggested that full moons bring out other scary behaviors, such as arson, risky driving and kleptomania. (Would you dare try this daring stunt during a full moon?)

But what about our health? One British study found that more people visit hospitals or make doctor appointments in the days preceding a full moon. Even so, the researchers have no idea why.

As far as more babies being born on days where the moon is full, I haven't found any solid evidence. But, I did talk to a few delivery room nurses a few years ago who swore that full moons brought in more deliveries than regular nights. So, I guess I'll have to wait until December 12 to see if the prediction is true for me!

What do you think about full moons and the supposed connection to human behavior? Do you buy it or think it's a bunch of baloney? Or, do you have any crazy-but-true full moon stories? If so, share! And, what's your prediction for my delivery? Will Vitamin G's first baby be born on a full-moon night?

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Comments 701-704 of 704
  • cmax.s_butterfly's Avatar
    Posted by cmax.s_butterfly Sat Dec 13, 2008 4:03pm PST

    Ok, I want to say that I have heard a lot about this supposed phenomenon too. However, I am 100% positive that Moon does NOT cause any of the incidences you are talking about. It may seem like more things happen around the full moon because so many people really are superstitious. Where these studies you speak of may suggest that there is a correlation with the full moon, there is no solid evidence. Also, if you know enough about Moon you can see that there are only 29 days between full moons. So if I say there is more criminal activity within 1-2 weeks of the full moon, that would be saying that there is criminal activity all the time....not even relating to the full moon. Im sorry if I am bursting anyone's bubble here, but I have learned a lot about false arguments and logical fallacies and wanted to point out that there is no scientific evidence proving that the full moon causes or correlates with any type of human behavior.

    I think its more related to "old wives tales" from a time when we didnt understand Moon as a species.

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  • speed's Avatar
    Posted by speed Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:39pm PST

    i understand that there is something defferent when the full moon and ordinary day. as my observation, i was born in seaside area, may father is fisherman, an i notice that every full also some fish also delivered their baby, crabs, etc. i think there is something special powers about every fullmoon.. but i dont know much about this..

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  • Rita's Avatar
    Posted by Rita Thu Dec 25, 2008 8:15pm PST

    The Full Moon is for new beginings of every cycle of anything in life.

    Report Abuse
  • TAMMY J's Avatar
    Posted by TAMMY J Mon Jan 5, 2009 1:11pm PST

    i must agree......when the moon is full....I do tend to get a bit... restless

    Report Abuse
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