The moon still features prominently in pop culture, but years ago it was thought to play a much more active role in pretty much everything. Now days that may sound like, well, lunacy, but a recent report in the publication Science Advances is suggesting that the moon's cycles really do affect our sleep. 

According to the study, people actually slept less in the days leading up to the full moon. Conversely, they got more sleep in the days leading up to the new moon. 

This phenomenon sounds more feasible in the days before electricity had lit up our world. However, scientists studied people in both rural Argentina as well as urban Seattle, and the results matched. 

"Our results show that sleep timing is synchronized with the moon cycle under a range of living environments," said the paper's authors.

Sleep differences ranged from 20 or so minutes per night to as much as an hour and a half. Either is substantial, and enough to make the following days a lot more difficult. 

Researchers aren't sure what the causes it, but they have some theories. Scientists think both the gravitational effects of the full moon as well as sensitivities to light are at play.

While there's not much we can do about gravity yet, there are ways we can help mitigate other effects. Keep your room dark. Close blinds and even explore the possibility of blackout curtains if you're particularly sensitive. 

Of course the right mattress plays a huge part in it as well. Give yourself the best chance at a good night's sleep with organic mattresses using natural latex and other natural materials. If the world is stacked up against you getting the rest you need, we can help you fight back.