You must have heard many people saying that moon disrupts your sleep cycle, and mental health. But, is there really any truth in that? Neurologist Joanna Fong-Isariawongse, who specializes in sleep medicine and how sleep affects brain writes for Scient Alert that yes, the moon affects sleep, however, its impact on mental health could be "much less certain".

The conventional belief is that moon bears an impact on people's mood and behavior, in fact, the term 'lunacy', comes from the word 'luna', which is Latin for Moon.

How Does Moon Impact Your Sleep?

There are studies, notes Joanna, that show that people sleep differently in the days that lead up to full moon. This is when the moon shines brightest. As per a 2013 study, titled 'Evidence that the Lunar Cycle Influences Human Sleep', notes that people sleep 20 minutes less, take longer to fall asleep and another 2014 study published in journal Sleep Medicine show that they even spend less time in deep, restorative sleep.

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Another 2021 study, published in the journal Neurophysiology, people across different cultures tend to go to bed later and sleep for shorter periods in the nights before a full moon.

Why does this happen? The answer is in the light. The bright moon, says the neurologist, could delay the body's internal clock and reduce melatonin. Melatonin is the hormones that is responsible for signaling bedtime. This is why the brain stays more alert.

Most people lose 15 to 30 minutes of sleep, notes Joanna, however, this is measurable. This change is noticed strongest in places without artificial light, for instance in rural areas or while camping.

There are several research that also suggests that moon can impact differently to women. Joanna notes, that men seem to lose more sleep during the waxing period, while women experience less deep and restful sleep around the full moon.

Is There A Link Of Moon And Mental Health?

There are folklores that suggest that full moon could spark bipolar disorder, provoke seizures in people with epilepsy, or even trigger psychosis in those with schizophrenia. However, the logic is simple, notes Joanna. This is because people lose sleep under a bright moon and it makes their mind more vulnerable.

Research too says that sleep loss itself is a powerful reason for mental health issues. A 3034 study published by the Sleep Research Society notes that just one rough night could increase anxiety and drag down one's mood. There are also evidence that show that ongoing sleep disruption could raise one's risk of depression, suicidal thoughts, and flare-up conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

This means even if you lose just 15 to 30 minutes of sleep during a full moon, you could be at risk.

However, notes Joanna, that when researchers look at the same theory at large groups of people, the evidence is weak. There are no reliable patterns found between the moon and hospital admissions, discharges, or lengths of stay.

However, there are other studies that may suggest small effects. For instance, in India, psychiatric hospitals record more use of restraints, as noted in the 2021 study published in The Journal of Biological and Medical Rhythm Research, during full moons. This is based on the data collected between 2016 and 2017. Another study done in 2019, published in the same journal show that in China, there was a slight rise in schizophrenia admissions around the full moon. The study used hospital data from 2012 to 2017.

Joanna asks an important question: "If the science is so inconclusive, why do so many people believe in the 'full moon effect?'" The answer is, the psychologists point to this as the illusory correlation, we may notice something unusual that coincides with a full moon, and forget that there may have been many full moon nights when nothing happened. Lastly, she writes, that moon is also highly visible, unlike the other sleep disruptors like stress, caffeine, or scrolling on phone, which is why it becomes easy to blame.

Autism in women is not often entirely recognized because this disorder does not always have to correspond to the “classic” picture characteristic of males.

The diagnosis is based on a male criterion with such behavior as obvious withdrawal from a group, overtly displayed repetitive behaviour, and limited interests. There can be mild social deficit or internalized anger and frustration that can pass unnoticed in clinical practice.

The Art of Masking

One of the most significant reasons behind underdiagnosis is masking (also called camouflaging). Masking is one of the most significant reasons for underdiagnosis. This is helpful in masking but also covers or conceals essential symptoms.

Masking causes mental exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout, but it does not address the underlying autism and leaves it undiagnosed.

Stereotypes And Gender Bias

There is a strong societal stereotype that autism is a “male condition”. This bias is felt by parents, teachers, as well as health care professionals.

Sex bias is evident in that boys get referred for evaluation early. Girls are often tagged “shy,” “sensitive,” and “introverted.”

Their struggles are normalized instead of being explored for any issues. Gender bias is a significant contributor to delayed or wrong diagnosis.

Different Interests, Less Suspicion

A restricted interest is another hallmark of autism, but in women, it tends to be more socially acceptable. Their interests conform to the norms of society; they do not predispose clinical suspicion as opposed to more masculine interests like mechanical systems or numbers.

Overlap With Other Conditions

Autism in women being misdiagnosed as other psychiatric disorders is due to symptom comorbidity. Some of the common misdiagnoses are:

• anxiety disorders,
• major depressive disorder,
• borderline personality disorder,
• eating disorders.

In many cases, these are secondary to autism as a result of years of living with undiagnosed autism.

Social Expectations And Conditioning

From an early age, girls are often conditioned to be socially attentive, empathetic, and compliant. This societal conditioning pushes autistic girls to adapt and hide their difficulties.

These may include forcing themselves into socializing. Fitting in is deemed more important than comfort. They end up creating coping mechanisms that mask their difficulties.

While this may benefit outward functioning, it postpones the recognition of underlying neurodevelopmental differences.

The Consequences of Late Diagnosis

Delayed diagnosis or missed diagnosis has the following effects:

• Chronic mental illness
• Low self-esteem
• Confusion about identity
• Inadequate support services

The World Health Organization estimates that 10 percent (190 million) of reproductive-age women worldwide suffer from endometriosis.

The chronic and complex menstrual disease that affects many women is characterized by severe pain during menstruation, heavy menstrual bleeding, chronic pelvic pain (pain that does not go away when the menstrual cycle ends), infertility, and abdominal bloating and nausea.

The incurable condition poses a significant challenge to women as it affects their personal and professional lives, relationships, and fertility, among others, due to persistent pain and fatigue.

The diagnosis also gets delayed, as endometriosis is often confused with PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, due to some overlapping symptoms like irregular menstrual periods. The symptoms may continue to persist or recur after treatment is initiated.

In a powerful statement resonating with millions worldwide, Indian American author and television host Padma Lakshmi has shared her experience with the condition.

Opening about her personal battle with endometriosis, the 55-year-old, Co-founder of Endometriosis Foundation of America, said that the condition made her understand how strong she is and called for greater awareness and self-advocacy among women.

"Endometriosis has taught me that I should always listen to my body. Pain is your body's way of telling you something is wrong,” said Lakshmi, in a media post on social media platform Instagram.

"Through my struggles with endometriosis, I've learned that, actually, I have a very high threshold for pain, that I may be stronger than I know, but that I shouldn't always need to be,” PopSugar quoted her as saying.

Lakshmi noted that it is now her life's mission "to advocate for my own health, and also to advocate for all women with endometriosis."

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These tissues commonly develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the pelvic lining.

Endometriosis affects many women and can impact their daily lives, including their ability to work comfortably. Many women continue their professional responsibilities despite experiencing severe discomfort, fatigue, and pain.

Raising awareness about the condition and encouraging supportive workplaces can help women manage both their health and career more effectively.

Since it is a progressive disorder, timely intervention remains key to managing it. In many cases, women live with symptoms for several years before receiving the correct diagnosis, which can delay treatment and affect their quality of life.

Treating Endometriosis

Treatment is particularly based on the severity of symptoms. Women will be advised lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, stress management, and an anti-inflammatory diet. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help reduce discomfort.

Hormonal therapies may also be used to control symptoms. Some women will be advised to undergo laparoscopy to remove endometriotic cysts.

Minimally invasive surgery can help remove lesions and restore pelvic anatomy, which may also improve fertility in some cases. In advanced cases, surgery can be recommended to women.

In a shocking incident, a woman contracted the herpes virus after using shared lipstick samples at a cosmetic store, raising concerns about makeup hygiene.

The incident highlights the risks involved in trying products that come into direct contact with the skin and are shared with a lot of people.

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What Is Herpes?

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is very common, and the infection is lifelong. But the symptoms can come and go over different periods of life. Many people never get any symptoms linked to their infection.

The common virus, carried by up to 50 to 80 percent of adults, can cause painful blisters or ulcers. It primarily spreads by skin-to-skin contact. It is treatable but not curable.

There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2.

HSV- 1 is the most common and usually spreads by oral contact. It causes infections in or around the mouth (such as oral herpes or cold sores), as well as genital herpes.

Common oral herpes symptoms include

• blisters (cold sores)
• open sores (ulcers) in or around the mouth or lips.

HSV-2 generally spreads by sexual contact and causes genital herpes.

Its symptoms include painful

• bumps,
• blisters,
• open sores (ulcers) around the genitals or anus.

How Makeup Testers Can Spread Infection

Experts warned that makeup testers can become a breeding ground for germs. The repeated use of the open samples can spur their growth and can then spread by “double-dipping” — reusing an applicator after touching the skin. This can transfer viruses and bacteria between users.

“You can absolutely get a herpes infection from a makeup tester," Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist in New York City, told TODAY. "The more ‘double dipping’ that occurs, the higher the chance of spreading viruses or bacteria at a makeup counter.”

A 2010 study by researchers from Rowan University in New Jersey found that cosmetic samples harbored strep, E.coli, and staph.

For two years, the team examined makeup testers at makeup counters, specialty stores, and drug stores. They found that Saturday is the busiest day of the week, and 100 percent of the samples carried some sort of germ.

How To Stay Safe?

To reduce the risk of infection, experts recommend:

• Much like the toothbrush, personal cosmetics and cosmetic brushes must not be shared.
• Wash and dry your brushes regularly to avoid bacterial growth.
• Avoid applying testers directly to your lips or skin
• Use disposable applicators
• Test products on your hand rather than your face
• Avoid using testers if you have cuts, chapped lips, or active infections.