This week, the full moon is here, and it might just disrupt your sleep.
The Full Back Moon will reach its peak on Thursday, July 10th, 2025, at 4:37 PM.
Experts indicate that the full moon in July could cause a reduction in sleep of about 20 minutes on the night of the 10th and in the following days.
Previous studies by a Swiss scientist found that people tend to take an average of five minutes longer to fall asleep on nights with a full moon.
The moon influences tides, pulling and releasing water along the coastline. Since our bodies are mostly water, it seems plausible that the moon’s rhythm could affect us too.
Full Moon July 2025
“If this week you find it hard to sleep or feel unusually awake, the Buck Moon might be to blame. Scientific evidence is mounting that the Full Moon can disrupt our sleep patterns. It’s more than just an old wives’ tale,” one expert notes.
Not getting enough sleep may seriously affect your quality of life. Over time, it could lead to various health issues like obesity, depression, weakened immune function, low libido, and heart disease.
Full Back Moon
Seely explains that the brightness of the moon can inhibit melatonin production, the hormone responsible for signaling that it’s time to sleep.
“Even a tiny bit of light can throw off your internal clock. And it’s not just the brightness. Some studies suggest the lunar cycle itself can alter your circadian rhythm or even increase how often you wake up at night, even in total darkness,” Seeley says.
So, how can we mitigate the moon’s disruptive effects?
Block the Moonlight
To achieve deep sleep, your environment needs complete darkness, which can be hard to achieve with a bright full moon.
“Even subtle light, like moonlight sneaking in through the curtains, can mess with melatonin production,” says Seeley. “Using blackout curtains and eye masks can be really effective.”
Avoid Screen Time
The full moon can interfere with your circadian rhythm, and the blue light from screens might make this worse.
“Instead of scrolling, try reading or listening to a calming podcast. The aim is to limit stimulation,” Seeley advises.
Setting a strict cut-off for screen time is a good practice to prevent habits that could harm your memory and mental well-being.
Whisk with Lavender
Full moons often bring nighttime restlessness, which can be helped by the soothing scent of lavender.
Studies have shown that lavender can reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, promoting relaxation.
A warm shower can also help, as raising your body temperature and then allowing it to drop mimics the natural process your body needs to fall asleep.
Maintain Consistent Bedtime
According to experts, the full moon can disrupt your circadian rhythm, making you feel more awake. However, keeping steady sleep and wake times may help your body adjust more quickly.
Deep sleep plays a vital role in recovery and growth, helping to strengthen the immune system and regenerate cells.
Try the Moon Breathing
“People often overlook breathing exercises when discussing sleep,” Seeley points out.
“Moon breathing, also known as Chandra Bidana Pranayama, is a great way to send signals to your body and mind that it’s time to wind down.”
This technique involves inhaling through the left nostril, which is believed to harness the calming energy associated with the moon.
Here’s how to do it:
- Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down.
- Use your thumb to close your right nostril.
- Inhale through your left nostril.
- Then, either release your thumb and exhale through your nose or mouth, or exhale through your left nostril.
- Repeat for several minutes, focusing on slow, steady breathing.
Utilizing these techniques could help alleviate the impact of a full moon on your sleep.
