Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 11, 2025
06:39
Through-the-Wall Blood Sampling Method to Minimize Sleep Disruption in Clinical Settings
Published on: June 13, 2025
249
Does lunar cycle affect biological parameters in young healthy men?
Ismail Dergaa1,2, Mohamed Romdhani1, Mohamed Saifeddin Fessi1
1Research Unit: Physical Activity, Sport, and Health, UR18JS01, National Observatory of Sport, Tunis, Tunisia.
Chronobiology International
|March 29, 2021
Summary
The lunar cycle impacts human biological markers. Full moon phases correlate with lower melatonin, testosterone, and neutrophil levels, but higher cortisol, regardless of the time of day.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Human Physiology
- Lunar Biology
Background:
- Diurnal variations in biological profiles are well-documented.
- The influence of external environmental factors, such as the lunar cycle, on human physiology requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of the lunar cycle on diurnal variations in hormonal, biochemical, and hematological profiles.
- To determine if lunar phases influence biological parameters independently of the time of day.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 20 healthy males during full moon (FM) and new moon (NM) phases.
- Sampling occurred in both morning (06:00-07:00) and evening (19:00-20:00) to assess diurnal variations.
- Hormonal (melatonin, testosterone, cortisol) and hematological (neutrophils, hemoglobin) parameters were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Melatonin, testosterone, and neutrophil counts were significantly lower during FM compared to NM, in both morning and evening samples.
- Cortisol levels were significantly higher during FM compared to NM, in both morning and evening samples.
- Hemoglobin levels were elevated in the evening during FM compared to the evening of NM.
Conclusions:
- The lunar cycle significantly affects key human biological parameters, including hormone levels and blood cell counts.
- These lunar cycle effects on human physiology are observable irrespective of the time of day.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying lunar cycle influences on human health.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
959
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
959
01:53Cause and Effect
11.7K
While variables are sometimes correlated because one does cause the other, it could also be that some other factor, a confounding variable, is actually causing the systematic movement in our variables of interest. For instance, as sales in ice cream increase, so does the overall rate of crime. Is it possible that indulging in your favorite flavor of ice cream could send you on a crime spree? Or, after committing crime do you think you might decide to treat yourself to a cone?
11.7K
01:19Factors Affecting Drug Biotransformation: Biological
364
Biological factors significantly impact drug metabolism, influencing drug clearance, efficacy, and potential toxicity.
Species differences: Variations in enzyme systems across species can cause disparities in drug metabolism. For instance, humans may metabolize certain drugs faster than rodents, altering therapeutic effects.
Strain differences: Genetic variations within a species can result in differing enzyme activity, impacting drug response and toxicity. For example, some mouse strains may...
Species differences: Variations in enzyme systems across species can cause disparities in drug metabolism. For instance, humans may metabolize certain drugs faster than rodents, altering therapeutic effects.
Strain differences: Genetic variations within a species can result in differing enzyme activity, impacting drug response and toxicity. For example, some mouse strains may...
364
01:15Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
195
Circadian rhythms are cyclic changes that are crucial in plasma drug concentrations. Various standard circadian parameters, including core body temperature, heart rate, and other cardiovascular factors, directly impact disease states and the therapeutic response to drug therapy.
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
195
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
5.9K
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
5.9K
01:27Signs of Puberty
869
Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
869