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Cited by 103Circadian rhythm and melatoninBipolar Disorder and TreatmentHistorical Psychiatry and Medical Practices

The moon and madness reconsidered

Raison, Charles L, Klein, Haven M, Steckler, Morgan·1999·Journal of Affective Disorders
DOI 10.1016/s0165-0327(99)00016-6
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Abstract

Belief that the full moon is associated with psychiatric disturbance persists despite 50 years research showing no association. This article traces the historical roots of belief in the power of the moon to cause disorders the mind, especially insanity and epilepsy. Putative mechanisms of lunar action are critiqued. It is proposed that modern findings showing lack of lunar effect can be reconciled with pre-modern beliefs in the moon's power through a mechanism of sleep deprivation. Prior to the advent of modern lighting the moon was a significant source of nocturnal illumination that affected sleep-wake cycle, tending to cause sleep deprivation around the time of full moon. This partial sleep deprivation would have been sufficient to induce mania/hypomania in susceptible bipolar patients and seizures in patients with seizure disorders. The advent of modern lighting attenuated this lunar effect, especially in modern urban areas, where most 20th century studies of lunar effects on the mind have been conducted. The hypothesis presented in this article is open to empirical validation or falsification. Potential tests for the sleep-deprivation hypothesis of lunar action are discussed.

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  • In these circumstances, the bio-behavioral cycles might once have exhibited the simple, one-to-one relationship with recurrences of the full moon that has been sought, but not found, in modern epidemiological studies.

    “In these circumstances, the bio-behavioral cycles might once have exhibited the simple, one-to-one relationship with recurrences of the full moon that has been sought, but not found, in modern epidemiological studies.”

    From Bipolar mood cycles and lunar tidal cycles (2018) · cites this paper as [3]

  • In the pre-industrialized world, moonlit nights-especially the three days surrounding full moon-provided a natural opportunity to perform work, hunt, or travel.

    “one line of arguments is that in the pre-industrialized world, moonlit nights—especially the three days surrounding full moon—provided a natural opportunity to perform work, hunt, or travel (73)”

    From An Overview of Monthly Rhythms and Clocks (2017) · cites this paper as [73]

  • Such monthly recurring phases of reduced sleep might form the factual core of the popular association between the lunar phase and mental health.

    “such monthly recurring phases of reduced sleep might form the factual core of the popular association between the lunar phase and mental health (67, 73).”

    From An Overview of Monthly Rhythms and Clocks (2017) · cites this paper as [73]

  • These nights led to a decrease in human night sleep around the full moon until around 200 years ago.

    “and that these nights therefore led to a decrease in human night sleep around the full moon until around 200 years ago.”

    From An Overview of Monthly Rhythms and Clocks (2017) · cites this paper as [73]

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Authors
Raison, C. L., Klein, H. M., & Steckler, M.
Affiliations
University of California, Los Angeles (US)
Corresponding author
Raison, Charles L
ORCID
Raison, Charles L
Venue
Journal of Affective Disorders
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
1999-04
Volume
53
Issue
1
Pages
99-106
ISSN
0165-0327 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/s0165-0327(99)00016-6
OpenAlex
W2001445154
Cited by
103
References
48
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 4 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 2
FWCI
0.36
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
Locations
  • Journal of Affective Disorders (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Bipolar Disorder and Treatment
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Historical Psychiatry and Medical Practices
Keywords
full moon, lunar influence, sleep deprivation, bipolar disorder, mania, hypomania, epilepsy, seizures, sleep-wake cycle, artificial lighting
MeSH terms
Mental Disorders, Humans, Light, Seizures, Sleep Deprivation, Moon

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