There’s a full moon approaching, and if you’re already tossing and turning, you’re not alone. For many of us (especially empaths and energy-sensitive folks) the full moon brings heightened energy that can disrupt sleep in noticeable ways.
Illustration by Kay Nielsen from East of the Sun and West of the Moon (1922)
I wanted to start a thread here because full moon insomnia isn’t just anecdotal. There’s a real overlap between what spiritual traditions have always said and what modern science is starting to observe. If you’ve ever felt restless during a full moon, here’s some insight into the why, both mystical and measurable.
Why Do So Many People Struggle to Sleep During a Full Moon?
This has been noted for centuries, but it’s only recently that researchers have begun documenting it under clinical conditions. Here’s what we know from recent studies:
- A 2013 sleep study found that during the full moon, participants ltook longer to fall asleep, slept around 20 minutes less, and had significantly reduced deep sleep. All of this happened without any exposure to moonlight — they were in a windowless lab.
- A 2021 study published in Science Advances observed people in both rural and urban settings. The researchers found that people naturally went to sleep later and slept less in the days leading up to a full moon. This was true even in communities with no artificial light.
- According to Healthline, melatonin levels — the hormone responsible for helping us fall asleep — tend to dip during the full moon phase.
- This PMC article outlines how the moon may influence circadian rhythms even in industrialized societies, supporting the theory that we’re still biologically attuned to lunar cycles.
There are also find similar personal experiences here in the Coven: 
Why Empaths Can’t Sleep During A Full Moon?
If you’re an empath or emotionally open person, these nights can feel like sensory overload. The full moon amplifies emotional energy in the collective field. You’re not just dealing with your own thoughts and stress, but also absorbing from the world around you.
The QHHT Official blog explains it clearly: empaths pick up on the energetic “noise” that increases during full moons. That can manifest as insomnia, anxiety, vivid dreams, or general unease.
A few symptoms that are commonly reported:
- Restlessness or racing thoughts right before bed
- Waves of unprovoked emotions
- Surges of creative or intuitive energy that keep the mind active
- A heightened sense of connection or “downloads” from spirit
Some people describe it like a storm of energy passing through, making it nearly impossible to relax.
If you’re absorbing too much energy at night, consider working with empath protection spells to create stronger boundaries.
The Spiritual Meaning of Full Moon Insomnia
Instead of seeing this wakefulness as a nuisance, many traditions view it as meaningful.
1. Heightened Intuition
The full moon is a time of spiritual clarity. Staying awake could mean you’re more open to receiving messages, dreams, or visions. Some practitioners even use this time intentionally for meditation or divination.
2. Energetic Release
Full moons represent culmination and closure. Emotional energy that’s been building might surface — through sleeplessness, tears, or realizations. What we release now clears the way for the new.
Use this moment of clarity for full moon rituals for emotional release and spiritual reset.
3. Shadow Work and Illumination
The moon lights up the night, and metaphorically, it illuminates the subconscious. Insomnia during a full moon might mean your inner self is calling for attention. Use the time to journal, reflect, or simply sit with your thoughts.
See also this lovely ritual post by starborn:
Full Moon Insomnia Cures (Witchy + Practical)
If the moon is keeping you up, here are some rituals and remedies that can help. You can mix and match based on your needs and tradition:
Grounding Practices
- A warm bath with salt, lavender, or mugwort
- Walking barefoot outside (if possible) to release excess energy
- Holding grounding stones like obsidian or hematite before bed
Calming Herbs and Teas
- Chamomile, valerian, or passionflower tea in the evening
- A small glass of warm oat or almond milk with nutmeg for grounding
Energy Work
- Visualize a shield or protective light cocooning your energy body
- Use selenite or amethyst under your pillow to soften lunar energy
- Burn herbs such as sage or rosemary to clear overstimulation
Moon Journaling
Write down anything that’s keeping you awake. It doesn’t have to be profound — just get it out of your mind. You might also write what you’re releasing this cycle.
Intentional Wakefulness
If you simply can’t sleep, stop fighting it. Light a candle, meditate, or pull a card. Sometimes the best way to return to sleep is to make peace with the moment.
Moon cave painting at the Chaco Canyon - Wikimedia
Our ancestors observed the moon closely, tracking its effects on crops, behavior, sleep, and dreams. We’re still part of that rhythm.
Instead of frustration, maybe offer curiosity. What is the moon showing you? What is your body processing? And how can you make the most of this energy, even in stillness?
Feel free to share your own full moon sleep rituals, spells, or what you’ve noticed in your body or dreams this cycle.
Because we’ve talked about this here, but this is science backing up the feels. Thanks so much for this!
Next I picked up my amethyst, and that was before reading about it here. The effect wasn’t as strong, but as I placed it on my third eye, I was starting to feel a calmness, quieting my racing mind. The third crystal I picked up was smoky quartz, giving me a gentle grounded feeling. I think I’m going to put these under my pillow for tonight, maybe until the full moon has passed 
) 
