Extreme Suicides Increase During Full Moon... Biological Clock Reacts to Moonlight

Full Moon Rises on the 15th, September, 3-4 PM 'Caution'
Suspected Effects Due to 'Light Exposure'

A study has found that suicides increase around the time of the full moon, in September, and between 3 and 4 p.m.

Recently, Dr. Alexander Niculescu and his research team at the Indiana University School of Medicine in the United States published an analysis of coroner’s office data related to suicides that occurred in Marion County, Indiana, from 2012 to 2016 in the psychiatry journal Discover Mental Health.

[Image source=Pixabay]

Out of a total of 776 suicides, 210 occurred during the weeks when a full moon was present (566 days), while the other 566 suicides happened during 2,600 days without a full moon.

The research team’s statistical analysis showed that suicides increased during the weeks of the full moon, with a more pronounced rise among those aged 55 and older.

They also reported that suicides were more frequent in September and between 3 and 4 p.m. during the day.

Dr. Niculescu stated, “From clinical and public health perspectives, an important message from this study is that patients at high risk of suicide should be monitored more closely during the afternoons of full moon weeks, especially in September.”

‘Light Exposure’ Presumed to Affect Vulnerable Individuals

The research team explained, “The biological marker predicting suicide during this period appears to be a gene controlling the body’s internal clock, the ‘circadian rhythm.’ Using this biomarker, we found that people with alcohol use disorder or depression may have a higher risk of suicide during these times (around the full moon, in September, and between 3 and 4 p.m.).”

They particularly suggested that the increased light from the full moon might have contributed to the rise in suicide rates during this period.

Light plays a crucial role in regulating the circadian rhythm, which controls when humans should sleep and be active. If the bright light of the full moon shines during times that should be dark, it can affect sleep and, consequently, impact the body.

Dr. Niculescu pointed out, “Changes in light can interact with other risk factors to affect vulnerable individuals,” emphasizing the need for more detailed research on light exposure, sleep, and the circadian rhythms of suicide victims.

The peak in suicide rates between 3 and 4 p.m. may also be related to the fact that light begins to diminish at this time, leading to decreased expression of circadian rhythm genes and reduced secretion of the stress hormone cortisol. Additionally, this time often coincides with people leaving work early and being alone at home, which may be connected.

The higher suicide rates in September are also presumed to be influenced by the shortening daylight hours, which increase seasonal affective disorder (commonly known as seasonal depression), as well as stress following the end of summer vacations.

Meanwhile, Dr. Niculescu noted, “Some people carry a full moon in their hands every night,” referring to smartphone use, and said that further research is essential. He plans to study the impact of nighttime exposure to screen light from smartphones and other devices on the rising suicide rates among young people.

※ If you or someone close to you is struggling with difficult feelings such as depression, you can receive 24-hour professional counseling through the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1393, Mental Health Counseling 1577-0199, Lifeline 1588-9191, Youth Hotline 1388, the youth mobile counseling app ‘Da Deureojul Gae,’ KakaoTalk, and other services.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.