Sex difference in response to stress by lunar month: a pilot study of four years' crisis-call frequency.
BACKGROUND
This study is in response to the question of whether the moon can influence daily levels of stress.


METHODS
Four years of telephone-call frequency data were obtained from a single crisis-call centre. We used the method of lunar-day numbers 1 to 29 for analysis. We also tested the concept of 'strong moons' as occurring when the Sun was near to the lunar-node axis.


RESULTS
An increase in calls was recorded from females and a decrease in calls by males during the new moon period, suggesting a sex difference in response, and there were proportionally more calls by males a fortnight later. A comparable swing in the male/female call-ratio on a weekly basis over Fridays and Saturdays was noted. Limitations of staffing at the call-centre prohibited comment on seasonal correlations.


CONCLUSIONS
Lunar-related studies of stress should endeavour to separate the data by sex or the effect can be lost. Distress-calls by women were more strongly linked to the lunar month than were those by men.
Kollerstrom
Nicholas
N
Science and Technology Studies Department, University College London, Gower St, London WC1E 6BT, UK. nk@astro3.demon.co.uk
Steffert
Beverly
B
D055580:Astronomical Phenomena; D001256:Astronomy; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015277:Hotlines / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000523:psychology; D016081:Moon; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012621:Seasons; D012737:Sex Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology