To the moon and back is usually a phrase reserved for grand declarations of love. But the moon might be sending you back with puffy eyes, a heavy head, and a heart full of inexplicable emotions or as it is called—the full moon hangover. Astrologers speak about lunar charts and the moon in various dasas, but it is seen to affect ocean currents: in this case the mental flow. Karishma Pramanik, a Delhi social media manager felt unusually irritated and moody on certain days, but she had no clue that it was because of the full moon. “At first I assumed it was PMS or hormonal imbalance. But when I learnt about the ‘full moon hangover,’ I could corelate my rythms and noticed that my mood swings weren’t tied to my cycle at all, but coincided with full moon days.”
Mumbo jumbo? Not exactly. Thailand’s infamous full moon parties, and sunburnt tourists tripping on cheap vodka comes to mind. This ‘hangover’ has nothing to do with booze or beach. It's the strange cocktail of exhaustion, mood swings, and brain fog that many report the morning after a full moon—despite spending the night in bed.
The full moon’s pull on tides is indisputably proved. Its effect on humans is a topic scientists have been circling for decades. A 2023 review titled 'Moon and Health: Myth or Reality?' pulled together global research suggesting that the lunar cycle can influence cardiovascular rhythms, and hormone levels. For those who wake up cranky, foggy, or teary-eyed after a full moon, this might explain part of the story.
Astrologer Parin Shah explains, “The Moon is the mind’s core, shaping what matters most, love, money, work, or family. After its radiant fullness, it slips into Krishna Paksha, where the first Pratipada tithi feels like a slumber, almost a hangover, before Agni sparks new initiatives.”
In Vedic astrology, the moon governs the mind and emotions, and when it transits through certain nakshatras, these effects can be intensified, resulting in heightened emotions, deeper introspection, and increased sensitivity to the world around us. But for many, the lunar connection is less about sleeplessness and more about synchronicity.
Sleep scientists also speak of studying circadian rhythms. The language may differ, but the result is surprisingly similar. Both agree the full moon marks a time of heightened intensity, when balance feels harder to hold.
Is there a cure? Unlike the ‘hair of a dog’, the full moon hangover doesn’t respond well to greasy food or electrolyte sachets. Astrologers and wellness practitioners recommend gentler resets: grounding yourself outdoors, hydrating more than usual, or scheduling some downtime rather than pushing through at full throttle.
So, the next time the moon keeps you up with a pounding head or in a bad mood, don’t panic. Just remember that you’re not separate from the cosmos, but part of it, caught in its tides, like every other piece of Earth.