|
The moon & humble pie? (If the moon influences us, how would it happen?)
Hi. I've answered many questions myself on the subjects of dreams, and of astrology. Now it's beyond argument that cosmic bodies influence the EARTH. The moon demonstrably affects tides, sun-spot activity and solar mass-ejections are shown to influence our atmosphere & weather, solar flares disrupt satelite communications and I believe one of the distant planets conveniently deflects (potentially world-ending if they hit us) asteroids out of our path. (Not sure which planet, and there's certainly loads more examples-but I'm not into cosmology/astro-physics). But I've never been even slightly convinced that us HUMANS are in any way influenced by the rhythms and cycles of the universe. My replies of course, reflect this. Getting to the point, an extensive project, by a number of well-respected psychologists was published recently. It has some very strong evidence that during periods of the full moon dream activity tends to increase, and the content of the dreams seems more random and bizarre. Also sleep patterns tend to become disrupted (generally, more difficult to 'get to sleep' and awaking earlier). A report by psychologists does not of course suggest reasons WHY. It's the usual probing into human nature and behavioural patterns. I'd love to hear what the panel of intelligent and free-thinkg columnists make of this. It's a bit of a mind-bomb for me. I have no idea how this known-to-be-lifeless, inert (though I admit very beautiful) lump of rock can possibly influence our dreams? Possibly electro-magnetic/electro-motive forces, my only vague idea? But does simple magnetism (in effect) make us dream more vividly? I wouldn't have thought so?? Thanks in advance for any thoughts, theories or ponderings any might share with me. CJB
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Miscellaneous category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Doesn't Fit Any Of These Categories?
Do animals respond to the influence of the Moon?
The short answer is yes, they do, and science has recorded thousands of examples showing a positive correlation between animal behavior (this includes human behavior) and the moon. Science however has not explained the mechanism that triggers this behavior; or more simply exactly how the moon causes this influence.
My theory is that our bodies mainly being comprised of water and the fact that the moon has an effect on the flow of water as demonstrated by high and low tides at the beach would seem to be most logical. Take a look at the following site and the chart that explains all the ways that water is needed in our bodies.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
If the normal flow of any liquids in our body are being affected by the moon like tidal waters, then it would be a daily thing. Then we only need to figure out why those are felt stronger on a full moon. And heres a link to explain why:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
As you can see, during a Full moon, the reason people and animal are affected in positive and negative ways stronger than other times of the month is because the Moon has help. Its not only the gravitational pull of the Moon at this point but the Sun is in alignment with the Moon adding Solar gravitional pull as well, so I guess you could call it a "gravitational overload" on living things.
Hopes this gives you more understanding on the subject.
]
My answer may be slightly off the point of the question but every little bit helps I suppose.
I work in an old people's home and people who work there have often said that some residents who have dementia become more agitated than normal when there's a full moon.
this usually starts around teatime, 5pm say, and lasts until past bedtime. They appear to be unable to sleep eeasily and readily get 'worked up.'
Don't know if anyone's donw any studies on this aspect of the moon's influence.
]
This doesn't disturb me much.
I wasn't able to find the study you are referring too (just other layman articles that refer to it) so I'll try to keep my comments somewhat general...
I'm about a hair's breath away from a complete philosophical materialist but the idea that phases of the moon affect us on a phycological level doesn't challenge that for me at all.
The moon may be lifeless, but it can't be called inert. It exerts a huge amount of force and influence over everything on this planet. There is a reason some cultures worshiped it as a god. It's a big deal.
It's worth it to remember that tidal phenomena are not limited to the oceans, but happen anywhere that a gravitational field shifts - including the atmosphere and even the crust of the earth. It's harder to see, and nearly impossible to distinguish the effect of the moon from all the other dynamic factors that influence weather, but it's everywhere, all of the time.
If we were putting money on it, I'd bet the changes in sleep patterns a study like that detected had far more to do with gravity or atmospheric pressure than magnetism. There is very little evidence that human beings respond to the extraordinary weak magnetic field created by the moon (although there is some question that other mammals might, so it's a worthwhile question...) but we know that human beings can have really drastic responses to atmospheric pressure, and can be sensitive to gravitational forces.
All this means to me is that there are some more cool questions to be answered - which is science's job - and because its a serious job it takes it's sweet ass time. It certainly doesn't mean that we need to start taking our morning horoscopes seriously. If the study bares out and can be supported and replicated, then the phases of the moon can now be grouped with stress, a bad cold, and eating too much cheese, as things that can effect our sleep and dreams.
Here's the thing about humble pie tho - it's not something you have to eat each time a reputable study shows that some area of scepticism was unnecessary. Shown to be unnecessary isn't the same as unwarranted. The whole reason a study like this making such a splash is that scepticism was totally warranted! This showed something surprising. Scepticism is still somewhat warranted. This was just one study, apparently a very well done one, but still just one. Other people are going to respond with supporting data, or with explanations and evidence against it now.
So don't get down on yourself each time something crosses your plate that challenges your world view - instead, just don't be a dick! It's totally okay to have been wrong. You don't have humble yourself to admit that new evidence has shown you were in error. If you knew that new evidence could change your perspective then you were already plenty humble. Arrogance is clinging to your preconceived notions regardless of evidence. The thing you don't want to be is a jackass to others who beliefs are not supported by the evidence (as tempting, and as easy, as it is sometimes) while still directing them to evidence-based information. It's a tough line to walk, but it's the actin like a jerk that leads to having to swallow humble pie. Not the having been a skeptic, the having being a jerk.
]
More Questions: |