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Does the Moon in uence Dreams?  19 RECENT POSTS

BY STEVE MUELLER LAST EDIT: FEBRUARY 3RD, 2020 SUCCESS SATURDAY, JUNE 13 0

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in the Rain
And why are dreams so intense during the Full moon? Feel free to skip the
intro to read the most reasonable explanation why the moon has such an SUNDAY, MAY 17 0
112 Bob Ross Quotes about Life’s
impact on our dreams, by following this link “Why are my dreams so intense
Happy Accidents
during a Full Moon?”  I write a dream journal for a while now. You know it’s
just a small notebook where I put down some of the impressions I have during SATURDAY, MAY 16 1

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my dreams, basically anything I can remember of the night. And besides the Hip-Hop’s Hall Of Fame

fantastic insight that this little journal provides about my mind, I began to
notice a monthly pattern in which my dream recall and the vividness would begin
to change tremendously. To be more precise, I believe this pattern is highly
in uenced by the lunar phase that is occurring and the thereof resulting
visibility/“invisibility” of the Moon.

Shortly before, during and some days after the rise of the full moon my dreams
would become almost certainly less vivid; my dream recall becomes little to non-
existent. Instead of remembering three or four dreams in greatest detail (like during
a New moon), I would only be able to reconstruct memory excerpts of a frantic night
(dream-wise). This feels to me like comparing an HD 1080p movie to one second-
lasting snippet from a low-resolution independent movie. Also, when there is a full
moon going on, I have trouble falling asleep, cannot sleep through the night and
wake up more often. On the other hand, while in the lunar phase of the new moon,
when the moon resides in the darkness, I recall most of my dreams, some of them
very intense and vivid.

These are the conclusions I’ve drawn from my own experiences and therefore I was
truly astonished when many of my friends reported undergoing exactly the
opposite of what I experience during a full moon. Out of curiosity I began
researching and noticed that people either have really intense, sometimes strange
but always very vivid dreams during a full moon (which make up to an estimate of
70% of accounts), whereas the other 30% would report less intense dreams or
di culties to remember any dreams at all, during a Full moon.

Is the moon in uencing human

behavior?

It’s obvious to ask the question: Does the moon have an in uence on our dreams?
And if it does: What is the reason that the moon a ects our dreams in such a strong
way? Why would a moon phase, such as the full moon, cause aforementioned
extremes in the dream pattern of a person such as experiencing very intense dreams
or not being able to remember any dreams at all, during a full moon?

Why are dreams so intense during the Full Moon?

This is the most probable and reasonable explanation I’ve discovered at present:

Theory #1: Charged Moon in uences Earth’s magnetic eld

The Earth’s magnetic eld is in uenced, amongst other factors, by the Moon. This
alone would not rate a mention, but the connecting of the dots that follows becomes
really interesting. The Earth also has a magnetic tail, formed by the solar wind,
which is basically a stream of electrons and protons ejected from the Sun. This
stream of charged particles (plasma) that is ejected from the Sun hits the earth with
speeds of up to 500 mph. Luckily, the Earth is protected to a large degree from this
solar wind, as the magnetic eld shields our planet, leading to a de ection of the
stream. Hence, this is how the magnetic tail of the Earth is created, which extends
way beyond the Moon into space.

Every 27.3 days when the Moon completes its orbit, it moves through Earth’s
magnetic tail, which just happens to coincide with a full moon.

Anyone can tell when the moon is inside the magnetotail. Just look: “if the
moon is full, it is inside the magnetotail,” says Stubbs. “The moon enters
the magnetotail three days before it is full and takes about six days to cross
and exit on the other side.”

Tim Stubbs on The Moon and the Magnetotail, NASA

So we have the perfect synchronicity of the Moon entering the Earth’s magnetic
tail, right at the time when a full moon occurs. We also know that the Moon is not
protected by an atmosphere or magnetic eld that could shield it, which means that
the surface that faces the earth (during a full moon) is bombarded by the solar wind
de ected from Earth. The solar wind – that has left little to no in uence on the Earth –
then plasma charges the Moon, causing a tremendous increase of the magnetic and
electric eld, which then in uences Earth’s magnetic eld, as the plasma charged
surface faces our planet.

Quick summary so far: We have the solar wind that is de ected by Earth’s
magnetic eld that shields us from it. As the Moon is not protected by a
magnetic eld or atmosphere, it is massively hit by the magnetotail that
charges it, which then has an in uence onto Earth’s geomagnetic eld.

The rst dots are connected, but how exactly does a change in the magnetic eld
in uence us humans and the way we perceive our dreams, especially during a full
moon?

Scientists know that Earth’s magnetic eld a ects the pineal gland of a rat (see:
Article on Sciencedirect.com) and there is also evidence that electromagnetic elds
a ect the human pineal gland (see: Evidence for an E ect of ELF on Humans), which
logically leads me to the conclusion that changes in the Earth’s geomagnetic eld
have an in uence on the human pineal gland.

The pineal gland – which was regarded by the Ancient as the “third eye” and the seat of
mystical powers – is the bodies master gland that secretes melatonin into the body.
The French philosopher Descartes even considered this gland to be the seat of the
soul. The inside of the gland is lled with water and has the highest blood ow per
cubic volume than any other gland in our body.

Rick Strassman MD, a researcher of the e ect of psychedelic and hallucinogenic

substances, argues that the pineal gland also releases dimethyltryptamine (DMT),
which is a very powerful psychedelic that can be found in nature. According to
Strassman, it is very likely that tiny amounts of DMT are released into our bloodstream
while we sleep, causing a dreaming state.

There is only one missing link that could not be veri ed as of today: do changes in
the Earth’s magnetic eld in uence the secretion of DMT into our bloodstream? If
such a link exists, it may be the explanation why dreams are so much more intense
during a full moon. It would also explain why dreams during an occurring full moon
are perceived to be much more vivid and intense, as the natural psychedelic DMT
might be released to a stronger degree into our brain than usual, without the pineal
gland being in uenced by an increase of Earth’s magnetic eld.

Result

Validity and conclusiveness of the theory: 90%

I must admit that this is – in my opinion – the best and most explanatory
theory that I’ve discovered so far. You might now have a possible answer to
the question: “Why are my dreams so intense during a full moon?”. The full
moon is charged by the magnetotail of the Earth, which in uences the
Earth’s magnetic eld, which then has an impact on our brains pineal gland,
leading – potentially – to an increased release of DMT – a natural
psychedelic – which then gives us the impression of more intense and
vivid dreams. Voila!

In the following, I’ll present you some other theories as to why the Moon in uences
our dreams.

Theory #2: The bright light disturbs your sleep

The second potential explanation why so many people report intense dreams during
a Full moon sounds pretty straightforward and reasonable: When there is a Full
moon, it’s much brighter in the night, therefore people wake up more often as the
light disrupts their sleep pattern, which then leaves the impression that the dreams
were more vivid than usual.

This is what really happens: In general, the dreams that are most memorable are
those that took place closest to waking. That’s the explanation why it’s so much
easier to remember the last dream you had before awakening and why it’s so
extremely di cult to recall anything about the rst dreams of the night at all (if you
slept through).

The production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates your circadian rhythm,
reaches its peak when it’s dark and drops during the day when you’re exposed to
light. However, the bright light of the Full moon can disrupt the melatonin cycle,
causing us to wake more often during the night – at the end of a dream. This then
leaves the impression that your dreams were a lot more intense and vivid, but what
actually happened is that you were only remembering more dreams as you awoke
more often than on a regular, dark night.

Result

Validity and conclusiveness of the theory: 25%

The “bright-light-disruption-theory” sounds logical, but it does not account

to all those who are sleeping in a light-isolated room and still experience
either more intense dreams or sleep deprivation during a Full moon. Also, it
takes not into account that a Full moon in uences most people’s sleep even
when the sky is clouded throughout the night. The theory might only be
relevant to people who sleep in a sleeping-place that gets illuminated by the
moon and it still is not really conclusive as to why people’s dreams are so
intense during a Full moon.

Theory #3: The human psyche is responsible

After we have ruled out that the “bright-light-disruption-theory” cannot explain why
any person that sleeps in a light isolated room might experience an in uence of the
Full moon to their sleep pattern, it’s only consequent to have a look if the human
psyche could be the actual reason for this phenomenon. I have to admit, though, that
I consider this theory as a rather irrelevant one to explain the severe in uence of the
Moon on human behavior in general, but – as the interested researcher might nd out
– many people (most of them scientists) bring up this theory as an explanation, so it
should be closer examined.

The theory goes as follows: People have a strong belief in the Moon’s in uence on
human behavior. And, as we expect a major impact or associate strange happenings
with the Full moon, scientists conclude that our psyche is what really in uences our
dreams and not the Moon. Not even the many reports of policeman, nurses, and
re ghters – that link the Full moon to troublous nights with increased numbers of
crimes and incoming patients – dissuade scientists from the theory that solely the
human psyche responsible for all of this. The fact that many farmers plant in
accordance with the moon phase, surgeons and/or patients reschedule
appointments for surgery that overlap with a Full moon and the many people that
take the lunar calendar into account for every major decision is – in the view of
scientists – mostly based on urban legends or as they call it: “moon myths” that are
– according to them – not based on experience but rather on folklore,
misconceptions, and cognitive biases.

Result

Validity and conclusiveness of the theory: 1%

Do my dreams change – regularly and repeatedly at the same time – just

because I expect it to happen? It may be possible to a certain extent, but
what about those that wake up in the morning – from a bewildering night full
of intense and vivid dreams – who con rm their assumption drawn from their
experiences that there might be a full moon occurring by looking into the
calendar, newspaper or internet. What about all those that did not expect
anything to happen and had no idea about the current lunar phase?

Theory #4: The Moon a ects water molecules in the body

We all know that the Moon a ects the ocean tides, as the moon – in simpli ed terms
– tries to pull anything on the Earth closer like a magnet, whereas the Earth’s
gravitational attraction manages to hold onto, but is not able to stop the ever-
owing water in the oceans from being pulled by the Moon’s gravitational force.

What we also know is that approximately 55-70% of the human body consists of
water. This is a fact, not a rumor, legend or made-up ction, it is a fact (see:
Wikipedia – Body Water)

Obviously, if the Moon is able to in uence water molecules in the ocean, the
following question is justi ed: “Does the Moon have a gravitational e ect on the
water molecules within our bodies, resulting in a change of our dream pattern
during a Full moon?” Is it possible that the Moon causes a disruption of the water
molecules in the nervous system, which causes us to experience more intensive/less
intensive dreams during a Full moon?

Result

Validity and conclusiveness of the theory: 5%

There are four major arguments that pull the theory apart:

1. The amount of water in the human body varies and is highly in uenced
by the environment that person is living in (altitude, climate and
temperature). But, people from every culture, everywhere on the world
experience the same e ect of the moon onto their dreams.
2. The Moon’s gravitational force only a ects open water, not the water
encased by objects (such as the human body).
3. The Moon’s gravitational force during a Full moon is the same as
during a New moon. The force does not depend on the lunar phase.

That’s it. I hope you’ve enjoyed the four presented theories and that they will assist
you in forging an opinion about this speculative topic. Does the moon in uence your
dreams as well? We’re excited to hear about your experiences in the comment
section below.

Photo by Robert Schöller

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19 COMMENTS

SELF IMPROVEMENT on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 5:45 AM

Hello,
Thank you so much for you informative blog. Keep posting.

REPLY 

JOY WRIGHT on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 4:49 AM

I have often noted changes in health, usually negative, just a few days before the new moon.
These can range from mild to fairly severe. I believe there is a name for symptoms of the quarter
moons as well in some mythology although I do not know the names given to this.
Thank you for this article. I recently was speaking to an internist who stated emphatically that
there is no connection between the moon phases and humans. I did not refute this statement as
the visit would have been lengthy, but it disturbs me to nd the medical profession so often
close-minded about new awareness in these areas. It is de nitely time to close the gap. Your
pineal gland theory is decidedly interesting.

REPLY 

STEVE MUELLER on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 5:20 AM

Hi Joy, you are absolutely right. The close-mindedness of some never ceases to amaze
me. It seems to me as if they follow the simple rule: if it isn’t written in one of my
books it is not true. I know, however, that the moon has an impact onto my body – no
matter if its impact is already well-known or not. And I guess many people feel the
same.

REPLY 

DION on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 1:27 AM

Mate your really onto something here we just need someone to bridge that
gap, every full moon i get charged up my pineal gland will start pulsing it
feels amazing i dont even know how to describe it i just have to lay down
and meditate then im o into dreamland most im aware in and can
control my awarness ying ect teaching and talking to people its
something ive been doin my whole life but didnt have anything to go with
i thought it was just it but it is far more!its ignorant to think the moon
wouldnt a ect us we bloody live on the earth open your eyes people!

REPLY 

STEVE MUELLER on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 6:12 AM

Wow fantastic, thanks for sharing your experiences.

Sometimes I wish I had all the answers to this great mystery.

JOHN on SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 11:31 AM

I think women’s menstrual cycle is also associated with the moon’s phases. There is not enough
study done on this subject, but many do believe in it. It’s true, I’ve observed myself when its
nearing full moon and occasionally on new moon, I do get some weird dreams and they do look
extremely vivid and real. I can’t explain why this happens. I do think moon does a ect our brains
in some manner.

REPLY 

STEVE MUELLER on SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 3:43 PM

Yes, absolutely! Hopefully we nd answers to the many unanswered questions in the

near future. Whether or not the moon in uences humans is only one of the many
unanswered mysteries, I guess.

REPLY 

DANIEL on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 10:35 AM

I suggest reading the book called ” Who built the moon?” An interesting read for open minded
people.

REPLY 

STEVE MUELLER on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 6:17 PM

Hi Daniel, wow that’s an interesting synchronicity! I added this book one month ago
to my wishlist. Thanks for your timely reminder. I will try to buy it someday when I
got some money to spare. And I de nitely think its necessary to have an open mind
when it comes to such an inexplicable anomaly as the moon is. “It seems much easier
to explain the nonexistence of the moon than its existence.” ~ NASA Scientist Dr.
Robin Brett

Have a nice day!

REPLY 

KRISTINE on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 12:30 PM

Thank you. My dreams and, psyche and spiritual awakening have been extreme ever since
childhood. I recognize this phase deepens as the beginning of the full moon phase occurs.

REPLY 

STEVE MUELLER on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18 6:21 AM

You’re welcome. I didn’t sleep great the last two days, so I had a look out of the
window and just as I assumed we have a full moon.

REPLY 

NORMA HILLYER SHEPHARD on FRIDAY, MARCH 18 2:55 PM

Thank you for your charged moon theory. I believe it makes perfect sense and is easily
understandable.

As for theory #2 because of our sleep cycles, the dreams toward morning are actually longer in
duration regardless of light exposure, so I would discount that theory as well.

I can also say that after researching the dreams of nurses and patients over 18 years, the notion
that dream content and quality has a correlation with the phases of the moon, is valid.

REPLY 

STEVE MUELLER on SATURDAY, MARCH 19 6:00 AM

Thank you Norma for pointing this out.

REPLY 

ELISE on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 2:46 PM

Ive noticed in my dream journal that my vivid and intuitive dreams happen during the waxing
crescent phase after a new moon…

REPLY 

STEVE MUELLER on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 2:10 PM

This is very interesting, thanks for sharing your experience.

REPLY 

PAM on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 1:33 PM

I don’t really pay attention to moon phases, but I recalled reading something about
how the moon a ects dreams and last night my dreams were SO vivid, I had to look up
today’s moon phase. I thought vivid dreams had something do to with full moons, so
was surprised (disappointed?) to see the phase today (9/25/17) is waxing crescent,
and gured the moon phase had nothing to do with my dreams. Then I read your
comment!

REPLY 

BRANDON on TUESDAY, MAY 23 5:02 AM

Thank you for the article and all who posted responses. I have a very open mind and believe that
when wavelengths combine they can amplify themselves to become somewhat greater than the
sum of their parts as in the double slit experiment. I am a shark researcher with emphasis on
magnetic elds and that has led me to link many other aspects of life, time and existence to
magnetism.

My awakening has been a long, slow process but it is de nitely becoming clearer. So much so that
it has led me to this article as myself and one other embark on writing a book on how magnetic
elds a ect dreams. I encourage all of you to become involved and even co-author if you like.

There are numerous hypotheses out there but one I buy into the most is Einstein’s Relativity. I
have read it several times and travel with it, in fact, I was just reading it again this evening. It
states that all magnetic elds are connected but they just vary in strength due to distance between
the two generating bodies and center of mass.

Our thoughts are electrical impulses and have accompanying magnetic elds according to
Maxwell’s right hand rule. Researchers at MIT have developed a new type of MRI sensor which
measures magnetic changes in a protein binding to dopamine in the brain rather than oxygen. It
is in its infancy but it proves magnetic reactivity to thoughts.

A compass works because weaker magnetic elds align with stronger ones ( ux density). A
compass is a weaker magnet than that of the Earth (average 35 microTesla) so it aligns with its
poles and can easily be changed, NS, using a stronger magnet. I took some readings using a
magnetometer of a ip phone at idle, 350 microTesla, iPhone 5 at idle 1,000 microTesla and then
a tiny N52 earbud magnet 5,000 microTesla.

If we place these strong magnetic elds near our heads or even inside of our ears I postulate that
they can even pull on our thoughts. There is much research done to show that human blood is
reactive to magnetic elds but it is referred to as lowering blood viscosity. Oxygenated blood (iron
& oxygen) is far more magnetically reactive than deoxygenated blood and Alzheimers brain
analysis show double the amount of magnetite (Fe3O4) than found in healthy brains.

I posit that magnetic elds could be involved in Alzheimers and several other human maladies
and I would like help developing this. Please do collaborate by whatever means and capacity you
like. We all have links to the chain. Mahalo and aloha.

REPLY 

STEVE MUELLER on TUESDAY, MAY 23 3:50 PM

Wow, thanks for this brilliant comment.

REPLY 

DRP on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 11:42 AM

Did anyone mentioned the bone pain when getting close to full moon. Personally my knees.

I also must ask, what does it mean when ones dream is in uenced but when getting close to the
new moon rather than the full moon?

REPLY 

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