Why Do You Feel Worse During the Full Moon?

I literally started writing this post almost three years ago to the day. “Does the full moon make you feel worse?”, is probably one of the most common questions I see on Facebook Lyme support pages. Unfortunately, very little has been written about it. That is probably why I abandoned writing this blog…I’m not sure what all to say other than, I can tell you firsthand that I too felt worse during the full moon. It took me a couple of months to register the cycle, but it was definitely there. So, know that you are not alone in sensing this phenomenon. The question remains, why do you feel worse during the full moon?

Personally, I have no doubt whatsoever that the full moon made me feel worse. Even now, six years into remission, the moon has a great deal of affect on me. Granted, it effects me differently now than it did when I was in the midst of my Lyme battle, but nonetheless, I’m well aware of moon cycles. In fact, I started tracking the cycle of the moon on my phone in order to remain mindful. I recommend you do the same if you feel especially swayed by the push and pull of the moon. 

So, what is the significance of the moon to Lyme patients? Why is this happening? There is very little scientific evidence yet, anecdotal evidence seems to be consistent. My doctor was 100% on board with the concept that the full moon is a challenging time for Lyme patients. Her belief (speculation?, evidence? idea?) how to do with the reproductive cycle of the Lyme spirochete.  Do not quote me, or her, on any of this but I believe this is also why you’re supposed to take antibiotics for longer than three weeks if you’ve just been bitten by a tick. If you don’t, you won’t catch the new little buggers multiplying in your bloodstream about every four weeks.

That is one concept/bit of evidence to back up that the full moon makes us feel worse. I also found this little bit of information that suggests higher levels of serotonin during the full moon are at play. Apparently, parasites really like serotonin so they have a little party any time we’re producing more of it. I don’t know about you but I remember literally feeling like my skin was crawling sometimes. It was such an unsettling feeling with no way to relieve it, other than riding it out. Maybe, that’s what I was feeling…parasites jumping from muscle fiber to muscle fiber, communicating, replicating, setting up biofilm shacks. Ugh, so gross to think about but this is exactly what it felt like to me.

There’s also the idea about the effects of the gravitational pull of a full moon. This is something I have believed in for a long time. If the moon can have influence over the ocean tides, why couldn’t it have influence over our bodies? We are, after all, made up of 50-65% water (depending on age, sex and hydration levels). I don’t know what this might have to do with Lyme disease, but nonetheless, something to consider.

So, that’s about it. That’s all I’ve got as far as why the full moon might be making us feel worse. I firmly believe this is happening, no matter scientific evidence or not. I tracked my symptoms very consistently throughout my 2 1/2 year battle and could correlate a rhythm to my good days and bad days depending on the phase of the moon. There are always other factors to consider, of course, but I find it to be undeniable. That is my personal opinion.

The full moon made me feel heavier, more tired and get worse headaches. My tremor would be worse, making walking more difficult. And, ugh, brain fog like my head was floating above my body, barely tethered to me by a tiny little string. What else? What symptoms do you notice are worse during the full moon? I don’t think there’s a right or a wrong answer. We all experience Lyme disease differently. We share many similarities but we’re all unique in our perception of what’s happening in our bodies.

What can you do to prepare for this? First, I think awareness is key. If you know it’s about to begin, at least you aren’t taken off-guard. I saw someone on a Facebook Lyme support page suggest having relaxing activities planned as the moon it’s cycle like, a movie playlist, art projects, jigsaw puzzles, etc. Keeping your mind occupied means you’re not so focused on your symptoms. I would also recommend increasing your detox during these few days every month. Make sure you’re getting your Epsom salt baths in this week, eating good and healthy, staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest. The full moon can effect our sleep cycle, so plan on some extra nap-time. 

If nothing else, I hope this gives you some reassurance that you aren’t crazy. You are not alone in sensing this phenomenon. Aside from how uncomfortable it makes us feel, I think it’s kind of cool. The idea that that beautiful, glowing orb in the night sky influences how we perceive our illness. Fascinating. But, I digress. Most of all, I hope you can find reassurance in knowing that you’re not alone and you will get through this.