In addition to the intense heat that is putting our nights to the test, we will have to face the July Full Moon in a few days.
While the heatwave this July is weakening our bodies and greatly disrupting our nights, the quality of our sleep will not improve immediately. In addition to the stifling heat which increases the number of nighttime awakenings, another phenomenon well known for disrupting sleep will be added to the equation: the Full Moon. We know that there is one every month, corresponding to the precise moment when this natural satellite is facing the Sun in relation to the Earth, and that of July is coming quickly.
For a long time, the impact of the Moon on sleep was relegated to the level of popular belief, but science is now beginning to validate the feelings of millions of people. Several documented studies, such as this work from the University of Basel published in Current Biology, have shown that during Full Moon phases, our deep sleep time decreases on average by 30%, falling asleep lengthens by 5% and overall sleep time during the night decreases by 20 minutes. This phenomenon is explained in particular by the strong nocturnal light linked to the Full Moon which disrupts the secretion of melatonin, the hormone essential for sleep, but also by a possible internal biological clock sensitive to lunar cycles that we may have inherited from our ancestors.
For this month of July 2026, the Full Moon – traditionally called the “Full Deer Moon” – will reach its peak on Wednesday July 29. If you are particularly sensitive to its effects, know that the disturbances generally begin to be felt in the two to three days preceding the event. It is therefore from the start of the week of July 27 that vigilance must be maximum to try to preserve our sleep. Fortunately, there are simple tips for cheating the Moon and maximizing your chances of sleeping well. Especially a…
The first reflex to have in order to sleep well at the time of the Full Moon is in fact to make your room completely dark by completely closing the shutters or by wearing a night mask to block the stray light from the satellite. Then, to avoid overloading a body already tired by the heat, it is advisable to have a light dinner while avoiding alcohol and stimulants (tea, coffee) at the end of the day. Finally, establishing a relaxing ritual without screens before bed and trying to maintain, as much as possible, a cool bedroom will be your best allies to get through the end of July in the most relaxing way possible.
