TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Despite the lack of scientific evidence, myths have been associating the moon with human conditions including insanity and stories about werewolves. Research by Christian Cajochen of Basel University, Switzerland, has found that the lunar cycle seems to influence human sleep.

"It took me more than four years until I decided to publish the results, because I did not believe it myself," Cajochen told LiveScience. "I was really skeptical about the finding, and I would love to see a replication."

The researchers had monitored the brain activity, eye movements and hormone secretions of 33 volunteers in the lab while the participants were sleeping. All the participants were healthy, good sleepers, and take no drugs or medication.

The result showed that during the time of the full moon, brain activity related to deep sleep dropped by 30 percent. People also took five minutes longer on average to fall asleep, and they slept for 20 minutes less overall on full moon nights.

Cajohen's research did not explain the mechanism of the moon affecting human sleep. No other research has proven the effects of full moon on human’s behavior.

However, Cajohen suggested that clinicians consider the full moon effect on people who have more sensitive sense.

"For some people who are sensitive to the effects of the moon on sleep, clinicians should probably take it seriously and not just think of it as an excuse for bad sleep," Cajochen said.

EKO ARMUNANTO/INDONESIANA