The moon disrupts sleep, or even produces sleepwalkers – these are just a few of the many myths about our solar system. However, a new study by the University of Campinas in Brazil has now proven the influence of the sun and moon on the behavior of all biological organisms on earth.
“All matter on earth, whether inactive or alive, experiences the effects of the gravitational forces of the sun and moon, which are expressed in the form of tides,” says Cristiano de Mello Gallep. “The periodic fluctuations have two daily cycles and are modulated monthly and yearly by the movements of these two heavenly bodies. All organisms on our planet have developed in this context and have always been shaped by this rhythmic activity. “
In order to prove the influence of the tides, the scientists examined, among other things, the effect of behavioral patterns in crabs. To do this, the animals were removed from their natural habitat.
“These animals modulate their behavior in accordance with the ebb and flow of the tide in a cycle of approximately 12.4 hours resulting from lunisolar dynamics, even when placed in a laboratory with stable and controlled water conditions. The pattern lasts for several days and coincides with the tidal time at the point where the organisms were collected in nature, ”said Gallep.
However, the study also shows that not only the simplest organisms adapt to the rhythm of the gravitational cycles, but all organisms – including humans. If it is without daylight for a long time and also without the current time, it tends to orient itself unconsciously to the lunar cycle. A cyclical fluctuation of 24.4 to 24.8 hours is automatically developed. This applies to the alternation between sleeping and waking times, as well as eating times and other metabolic functions.
The individual rhythm varies from person to person. The basic cycle seems to be determined much more strongly by the tides of our solar system than was previously assumed.
