Lunar cycles and violent behaviour

Common multi-day rhythms in smartphone behavior

The idea that abnormal human activities follow multi-day rhythms is found in ancient beliefs on the moon to modern clinical observations in epilepsy and mood disorders. To explore multi-day rhythms in healthy human behavior our analysis includes over 300 million smartphone touchscreen interactions logging up to 2 years of day-to-day activities (N401 subjects). At the level of each individual, we find a complex expression of multi-day rhythms where the rhythms occur scattered across diverse smartphone behaviors. With non-negative matrix factorization, we extract the scattered rhythms to reveal periods ranging from 7 to 52 days - cutting across age and gender. The rhythms are likely free-running - instead of being ubiquitously driven by the moon - as they did not show broad population-level synchronization even though the sampled population lived in northern Europe. We propose that multi-day rhythms are a common trait, but their consequences are uniquely experienced in day-to-day behavior.

Does lunar synodic cycle affect the rates of psychiatric hospitalizations and sentinel events?

The lunar synodic cycle is often believed to be associated with psychiatric emergencies and exacerbation in various countries, including India. However, the scientific literature regarding this matter is inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between lunar cycle phase and admission rates plus occurrence of sentinel events in the psychiatric ward of a tertiary care general hospital in India. All admissions and transfer-ins (N = 780) to the Department of Psychiatry between August 1st, 2016 and July 31st, 2017 were evaluated from hospital records by a blinded author to obtain sentinel events, like requirement of physical restraint (PR) and chemical restraint (CR), occurring on full moon days (FM), new moon days (NM), and control days (CD). Statistical analysis was done by comparison of proportions. Significant positive differences were found when CR applied exclusively [p = .0008] on FM and NM days, and its frequency [p < .0001] in comparison to CD. Frequencies of parenteral [p = .0001] and per oral [p = .0064] modes of CR applied on FM and NM days showed significant positive results when compared with CD. Use of all restraints (PR plus CR) [p = .0017] and their frequencies [p < .0001] on FM and NM days were also positively significant. Sentinel events, such as use of restraints, especially chemical ones, in psychiatry in-patients are significantly more common during full moon and new moon phases.

Lunar cycle in homicides: a population-based time series study in Finland

OBJECTIVE

To test whether homicides in Finland vary according to moon phases.

DESIGN

A time series study.

SETTING

Finland.

PARTICIPANTS

6808 homicides committed in 1961-2014.

OUTCOME

Daily numbers of homicides.

METHOD

The daily numbers of homicides were related to eight moon phases and the illuminated percentage of the moon disc using negative binomial regression. To identify lunar patterns, piecewise linear terms of lunar days were used, together with changes from one moon phase to another. Homicides were similarly regressed on quintiles of the illuminated percentage of the moon disc. A periodic term of length 29.53 days was included to detect cyclic patterns. The results were adjusted for sex, age, secular trend, distance from the moon, seasons, weekday, major holidays and temperature.

RESULTS

During the full moon, 15% less homicides were committed than during the new moon (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.77 to 0.94) and 86% less during the lightest quintile of illumination compared with the darkest quintile (RR 0.14; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.50). Adjustments did not change the results. Piecewise linear regressions showed a significant decline in homicides at the full moon and a rise thereafter. The full moon drop in homicides was directionally similar for seasons, weekdays, sex, age and time periods, and it was particularly pronounced in the early part of period studied (1961-1974). Periodic regression showed a regular cyclic pattern of length 29.53 days (p~0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to current scientific opinion, an association exists between moon phases and homicides, and contrary to what has been previously assumed, homicides declined during the full moon, especially in earlier decades. However, the causality of the association remains elusive.

Hypothesis: Folklore perpetuated expression of moon-associated bipolar disorders in anecdotally exaggerated werewolf guise

We hypothesize that Moon-associated signals, recently linked to rapid cycling bipolar disorder, may have triggered extremely rare instances of extreme manic and aggressive behaviour that may be compatible with the folklore of the werewolf. Very limited literature on instances of clinical lycanthropy or violent/manic/madness behaviour in association with the Moon may be due to very rare lycanthropic psychosis and not knowing which signal(s) could determine Moon-mood associations. Mechanistically, lunar effects related to bipolar disorder, mood changes, and psychosis could involve either, or a combination, of the following: (i) some as of yet non-measurable signal or undefined geoelectric/geomagnetic receptor or higher sensitivity in some humans, (ii) Moonlight affecting sleep and/or circadian rhythm, (iii) perinatal imprinting of susceptibility, (iv) lunar-periodic growth, and subsequent consumption, of or exposure to psychotropic agents. Importantly, remarkable recent studies (2018) suggest that links between some Moon cycles and bipolar disorder are conceivable. Further observations suggest a role for periodic changes in lunar distances in combination with the Earth and Sun positions. Targeted research could use insight from astrophysicists. If causal links between Moon signals and mood were corroborated, sufferers may benefit from improved disease understanding. Herein, we systematically review the literature and synthesize the evidence for and against the hypothesis. The werewolf myth could become another instance of folklore popularizing biological variation worthy of investigation such as the book characters created by the psychiatrist Hoffmann in 1845 as a Christmas present for his son; namely, 'Struwelpeter' and 'Zappel-Philipp' (shock-headed Peter and fidgety-Philipp): Their conspicuous characteristics have since been linked to genetic uncombable hair syndrome and ADHD, respectively. Overall, rather than dismissing (seemingly) trivial and uncertain concepts as 'just folklore', scientists should grapple with the roots, causes, and significance of traditions and tales, including the werewolf legend.

Relationship between lunar cycle and haemorrhagic complication rate in surgery

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible relationship between lunar cycles and haemorrhagic complication rate in surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The possible relationship between moon phases and surgical outcome was tested by evaluating the haemorrhagic complication rate for 18,760 patients who underwent surgery between January 2001 and December 2008 at the National Institute for Cancer Research in Genoa. A total of 103 lunar phases were considered using Chi-square (χ²) test analysis, and patients were allocated a surgery date.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-seven haemorrhagic complications were observed. Three hundred and nine new moon phase days were analysed and 12 incidences of complications detected, with a 3.9% complication rate per day. In the waxing moon phase, 1184.5 d were analysed with 68 incidences of complications at a daily rate of 5.7%. In the full moon phase there was a 4.9% complication rate per day (15 incidences in 309 d), whereas in the waning moon phase, the 6% percentage rate per day resulted from 72 incidences in 1184.5 d.

CONCLUSIONS

No statistically significant correlations were found between moon cycles and postoperative haemorrhagic complications (p = .50).

Pediatric psychiatric emergency department visits during a full moon

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to verify the hypothesis that the lunar cycle influences the number of pediatric psychiatric emergency department (ED) visits.

METHODS

Pediatric psychiatric ED visits between 2009 and 2011 were obtained retrospectively. Patients aged between 4 and 21 years presenting to Miami Children's Hospital ED with a primary psychiatric complaint were included in the study. Patients with a concomitant psychiatric problem and a secondary medical condition were excluded. The number of psychiatric visits was retrieved for the full moon dates, control dates as well as the day before and after the full moon when the moon appears full to the naked eye (full moon effect). A comparison was made using the 2-sample independent t test.

RESULTS

Between 2009 and 2011, 36 dates were considered as the true full moon dates and 108 dates as the "full moon effect." A total of 559 patients were included in the study. The 2-sample independent t tests were performed between the actual full moon date and control dates, as well as between the "full moon effect" dates and control dates. Our results failed to show a statistical significance when comparing the number of pediatric psychiatric patients presenting to a children's hospital ED during a full moon and a non-full moon date.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study's results are in agreement with those involving adult patients. The full moon does not affect psychiatric visits in a children's hospital.

Effects of Full-Moon Definition on Psychiatric Emergency Department Presentations

Objectives. The lunar cycle is believed to be related to psychiatric episodes and emergency department (ED) admissions. This belief is held by both mental health professionals and the general population. Previous studies analyzing the lunar effect have yielded inconsistent results. Methods. ED records from two tertiary care hospitals were used to assess the impact of three different definitions of the full-moon period, commonly found in the literature. The full-moon definitions used in this study were 6 hours before and 6 hours after the full moon (a 12-hour model); 12 hours before and 12 hours after the full moon (a 24-hour model); and 24 hours before and after the day of the full moon (a 3-day model). Results. Different significant results were found for each full-moon model. Significantly fewer patients with anxiety disorders presented during the 12-hour and 24-hour models; however, this was not true of the 3-day model. For the 24-hour model, significantly, more patients presented with a diagnosis of personality disorders. Patients also presented with more urgent triage scores during this period. In the 3-day model, no significant differences were found between the full-moon presentations and the non-full-moon presentations. Conclusions. The discrepancies in the findings of full moon studies may relate to different definitions of “full moon.” The definition of the “full moon” should be standardized for future research.

Assaults in the elderly--a population-based study with victim and perpetrator characteristics

The aim of the present epidemiological study was to investigate characteristics of assaults in the elderly aged 65 years and above from the perspective of the victim and perpetrator. This population-based study included 23,142 assaults (according to §§ 224/226 StGB of German criminal law) that were recorded in Bavaria, Germany, from 1999 to 2005. The population-based ratio of serious crimes of battery for the elderly in comparison with the reference population was markedly lower (0.10; 95% CI: 0.09-0.11) in suspects aged more than 65 years and 0.08 (95% CI: 0.07-0.09) for the injured above 65 years. Elderly perpetrators differed significantly concerning the manner of the assault (p < 0.001). They committed less crimes in urban areas (56.1% vs. 68.8%) and were victimized significantly more in rural areas (p < 0.001; 41.2% vs. 30.2%). Violence in the elderly differs from that of the younger population. Further research is warranted to establish prevention measures.

The disease of the moon: the linguistic and pathological evolution of the English term "lunatic"

The public opinion and the scientific community incorrectly believe that the English term "lunatic" was originally related only to insanity, but it also referred to epileptic people. The aim of this article is to clarify the original meaning of the English word "lunatic" by analyzing the evolution of the relationship between psychiatric and neurological diseases and by pointing out the influence of the moon in the history of medicine, in popular traditions, and in English literature. The article also contains a detailed and accurate review of the modern scientific literature on the relationship between moon and epilepsy/psychiatric disorders.

Relationship between lunar phases and serious crimes of battery: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

The hypothesis of a lunar influence on human abnormal behavior is still widespread, although research has led to conflicting findings. Therefore, a population-based study to assess the influence of lunar phases on violent crimes was conducted.

METHODS

The study included all serious crimes of battery (aggravated assaults) committed in Middle Franconia (Bavaria, Germany) between 1999 and 2005 (n = 23 142). Data were analyzed regarding lunar phase, sex, and place of crime scene (outdoor vs indoor).

RESULTS

No significant associations between full, absent, and the moon's interphases and serious crimes of battery could be detected. Furthermore, a Fourier analysis was conducted that failed to produce an association between violence and the moon's phases.

DISCUSSION

Several possible explanations for the presented results are discussed including biological and social mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study fails to find a significant association between lunar phases and crimes of battery.

Human responses to the geophysical daily, annual and lunar cycles

Collectively the daily, seasonal, lunar and tidal geophysical cycles regulate much of the temporal biology of life on Earth. The increasing isolation of human societies from these geophysical cycles, as a result of improved living conditions, high-quality nutrition and 24/7 working practices, have led many to believe that human biology functions independently of them. Yet recent studies have highlighted the dominant role that our circadian clock plays in the organisation of 24 hour patterns of behaviour and physiology. Preferred wake and sleep times are to a large extent driven by an endogenous temporal program that uses sunlight as an entraining cue. The alarm clock can drive human activity rhythms but has little direct effect on our endogenous 24 hour physiology. In many situations, our biology and our society appear to be in serious opposition, and the damaging consequences to our health under these circumstances are increasingly recognised. The seasons dominate the lives of non-equatorial species, and until recently, they also had a marked influence on much of human biology. Despite human isolation from seasonal changes in temperature, food and photoperiod in the industrialised nations, the seasons still appear to have a small, but significant, impact upon when individuals are born and many aspects of health. The seasonal changes that modulate our biology, and how these factors might interact with the social and metabolic status of the individual to drive seasonal effects, are still poorly understood. Lunar cycles had, and continue to have, an influence upon human culture, though despite a persistent belief that our mental health and other behaviours are modulated by the phase of the moon, there is no solid evidence that human biology is in any way regulated by the lunar cycle.

The influence of the full moon on the number of accessions to an animal emergency centre

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that the number of animal emergency centre accessions is associated with the time of the full moon.

DESIGN AND PROCEDURE

Retrospective study. A comparison was made of the number of accessions to the University of Melbourne Animal Emergency Centre in the period February 2003 to January 2006 on full moon and non-full moon days, adjusted for day of the week and public holiday. A three day period with the day of the full moon as the middle day was taken to be a full moon period.

RESULTS

A total of 12,102 animals were presented to the Centre in this time. An adjusted count ratio of 1.048 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.14; P = 0.26) for accessions on full moon days compared with those on non-full moon days indicated that there was no significant association between the full moon and the number of accessions per day.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference between the number of animals presented to the University of Melbourne Animal Emergency Centre on full moon days and non-full moon days.

Are patient falls in the hospital associated with lunar cycles? A retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Falls and associated negative outcomes in hospitalized patients are of significant concerns. The etiology of hospital inpatient falls is multifactorial, including both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Anecdotes from clinical practice exist in which health care professionals express the idea that the number of patient falls increases during times of full moon. The aim of this study was to examine in-hospital patient fall rates and their associations with days of the week, months, seasons and lunar cycles.

METHODS

3,842 fall incident reports of adult in-patients who fell while hospitalized in a 300-bed urban public hospital in Zurich, Switzerland were included. Adjusted fall rates per 1'000 patient days were compared with days of the week, months, and 62 complete lunar cycles from 1999 to 2003.

RESULTS

The fall rate per 1000 patient days fluctuated slightly over the entire observation time, ranging from 8.4 falls to 9.7 falls per month (P = 0.757), and from 8.3 falls on Mondays to 9.3 falls on Saturdays (P = 0.587). The fall rate per 1000 patient days within the lunar days ranged from 7.2 falls on lunar day 17 to 10.6 falls on lunar day 20 (P = 0.575).

CONCLUSION

The inpatient fall rates in this hospital were neither associated with days of the week, months, or seasons nor with lunar cycles such as full moon or new moon. Preventive strategies should be focused on patients' modifiable fall risk factors and the provision of organizational conditions which support a safe hospital environment.

The influence of the full moon on the number of admissions related to gastrointestinal bleeding

The objective of this study was to analyse whether the number of admissions for gastrointestinal bleeding to our bleeding unit increases during the full moon. In a prospective study, we included 447 consecutive patients with gastrointestinal haemorrhage admitted to our bleeding unit during a period of two years. The number of admissions was allocated to the corresponding day of the lunar cycle, and full moon and non-full moon days were compared. A wide variation in the number of admissions throughout the lunar cycle was observed. There were 26 admissions on the 25 days of full moon and 421 admissions in the remaining 713 days of non-full moon. This difference was mainly related to a higher incidence of haemorrhage in men and variceal haemorrhage at full moon. The results of this study suggest an increase in the number of admissions related to gastrointestinal haemorrhage in our bleeding unit during the full moon, especially in men and in patients experiencing variceal haemorrhage. However, the wide variation in the number of admissions throughout the lunar cycle could limit interpretation of the results. Therefore, further studies are needed to clarify the possible influence of the moon on gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

The moon and its relationship to oral and maxillofacial emergencies

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between the full moon and oral and maxillofacial emergencies.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of 2416 referrals to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, St. Bartholomews and The Royal London Hospital, London, over a 16-month period (17 lunar months). Frequency distributions were used to assess emergency workload during the week of the full moon.

RESULTS

There was a rise in referrals in the latter part of the 7-day period surrounding the full moon. There was a persistent reduction in emergency workload in the 3-day period leading up to the full moon. The results approach but do not reach significance.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of the moon on oral and maxillofacial referrals cannot be proven.

Moon cycles and violent behaviours: myth or fact?

We formulated the hypothesis that lunar phases, identified by the fraction of the illuminated visible surface of the moon, have a relationship with the frequency of victims of aggression seen in an emergency department. If such a relationship exists, an increase in the frequency of incidents with the phases of full moon or new moon would be expected. In order to test this hypothesis, the daily frequency of victims of violent behaviour seen in the emergency department was used to create a temporal series of data. This was then correlated with a temporal series of lunar luminosity data from the same time period. Crossed correlations in the delay range -7 to +7 days showed coefficient values ranging between -0.102 and +0.034, demonstrating weak correlations without statistical significance. Despite the attractiveness of the popular belief that the moon influences human behaviour, the analysis of our data does not support an association between lunar phases and frequency of violent behaviour. That is, we cannot predict the frequency of cases from a knowledge of lunar luminosity, at least in the period over which our study was performed.

Do animals bite more during a full moon? Retrospective observational analysis

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that the incidence of animal bites increases at the time of a full moon.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational analysis.

SETTING

Accident and emergency department at a general hospital in an English city.

SUBJECTS

1621 consecutive patients, irrespective of age and sex.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Number of patients who attended an accident and emergency department during 1997 to 1999 after being bitten by an animal. The number of bites in each day was compared with the lunar phase in each month.

RESULTS

The incidence of animal bites rose significantly at the time of a full moon. With the period of the full moon as the reference period, the incidence rate ratio of the bites for all other periods of the lunar cycle was significantly lower (P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The full moon is associated with a significant increase in animal bites to humans.

Barking mad? another lunatic hypothesis bites the dust

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether dog bites requiring hospital admission occur more at the full moon.

DESIGN

Review of dates of admission for dog bites to accident and emergency departments, June 1997 to June 1998, compared with dates of the full moon.

SETTING

All public hospitals in Australia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Admissions for dog bites.

RESULTS

12 peak clusters of admissions were unrelated to the time of the full moon.

CONCLUSION

Dog bites are no more frequent on full moons than at any other time of the month. Sceptics rejoice.