We all know how frustrating it can be to have a rough night of sleep. But if you found that last night was particularly bad for getting shut-eye, there could be a good reason for it.

Last night marked the start of a new lunar cycle, with a new full moon in the sky. And believe it or not, the moon can actually have a significant impact on the quality of our sleep.

According to the Sleep Foundation, the moon can affect our sleep in various ways, especially during a New Moon like last night. A study from the National Library of Medicine and Biotech Information found that the full moon resulted in worse sleep than usual.

Participants in the study took longer to fall asleep, slept for less time, had delayed REM sleep, experienced a 30% reduction in deep sleep, and reported lower sleep quality. So, all in all, it was a pretty poor night of sleep.

Another study discovered that sleep during the full moon was more restless, with more frequent awakenings. And this effect is not limited to any specific location. No matter where you are in the world, the New Moon can affect your sleep. Data from three indigenous Argentinian communities and 464 American college students from a major city showed that everyone in the study fell asleep later and slept less in the build-up to the New Moon.

Lack of sleep not only makes us reach for caffeine the next day but also takes a toll on our cognitive function, alertness, appearance, and skin. If you’re looking for the best way to improve your sleep, Dr. Anatalia Moore, a GP and skin specialist, has some advice. She recommends considering your bedtime and nighttime routine to see the benefits. A good night’s sleep allows our skin time to repair and heal, making it look and feel brighter.

Dr. Moore suggests implementing these tips for a better night’s sleep:

• Pay attention to the temperature of your room.
• Start winding down earlier in the evening to give yourself enough time to relax and unwind.
• Take off your makeup and complete your nighttime skincare routine.
• Allow yourself time to do all the small things that help signal your brain to shut down and sleep.

A restful night’s sleep is not only crucial for your overall well-being but also plays a significant role in the health and appearance of your skin. So, make it a priority to create a bedtime routine that promotes quality sleep, and you’ll wake up feeling more rested and rejuvenated.