Will tonight's solar eclipse affect the way we sleep?

On August 12, 2026, observers around the world witnessed a rare solar eclipse, which left many with unusual experiences afterward. Social media platforms were flooded with reports of individuals struggling with insomnia, vivid dreams, and unexplained fatigue. Some claimed they woke up in the middle of the night or were unable to fall asleep at all. Notably, some users mentioned experiencing sleep disturbances even a week before the celestial event. Similar complaints had been reported after previous total solar eclipses earlier this year, with many describing intense emotional distress and restlessness. While these personal accounts are genuine, experts remain skeptical about whether the eclipse directly affects human physiology. The human circadian rhythm, acting as an internal biological clock, reacts strongly to light and darkness. Light signals to the brain when it's time to stay awake and when the body should prepare for rest. Experts confirm that exposure to light influences the secretion of melatonin, yet they emphasize that a few minutes of darkness during an eclipse cannot disrupt the entire night’s sleep. Unlike animals, which sometimes react to sudden changes in light levels by altering their behavior, humans have not shown such responses according to scientific studies. Research exploring links between lunar or solar phenomena and human behavior has not yielded conclusive evidence. Therefore, the real causes of sleepless nights must be sought elsewhere. The visual impact of a solar eclipse is powerful and rare, often anticipated with great interest. Many spend hours reading about it, following predictions, and planning observations. The mere anticipation or anxiety can make it harder to fall asleep at night. Additionally, social media is filled with posts discussing the “energy” of the eclipse and predicting strange dreams. Psychologists explain this through the effect of expectation or the nocebo effect. If an individual expects the eclipse to ruin their sleep, they will pay more attention to nighttime awakenings. Our perception of our own sleep heavily relies on expectations. In recent days, a new trend has emerged on social media involving saffron, one of the world's most expensive spices. According to online posts, saffron is believed to cure many ailments of modern life. However, due to its high price, ranging from four thousand euros per kilogram to thirty thousand euros, it is accessible only to a few. There is also a risk of receiving counterfeit products instead of genuine saffron. Scientific research has indicated potential health benefits, contributing to increased demand for this precious spice. Studies examining the response of birds to a total solar eclipse revealed that more than half of the studied species altered their behavior. Scientists have already observed unusual behavioral changes in animals during solar eclipses. In a study conducted in a zoo with seventeen species of mammals, birds, and reptiles during a total eclipse in 2017, thirteen species exhibited different behaviors compared to usual; eight showed evening or nocturnal behavior, such as retreating into night shelters. Some species displayed signs of nervousness. An even more extensive study analyzing bird responses to a total eclipse in 2024 used nearly 100,000 audio recordings and over ten thousand observations, revealing that more than half of the studied species changed their behavior or daily rhythm. After the eclipse ended, several species began vocalizing similarly to morning chirping, as if a new day was beginning. Human biology features an internal approximately 24-hour rhythm regulating wakefulness and sleep. One of the most crucial external signals aligning this system with the environment is light. Reviews of sleep medicine research indicate that the cycle of light and darkness is the predominant environmental factor synchronizing the human circadian system with the 24-hour day. Light entering through the eyes influences the biological clock and thus the timing of sleep and wakefulness. Therefore, one might expect that the sudden dimming of daylight during a solar eclipse could affect humans too. However, since the solar eclipse lasts only a short period, there is currently no evidence that a brief change in daylight during a solar eclipse would significantly alter the circadian rhythm or quality of sleep in humans. If someone finds it difficult to fall asleep tonight, it is far more likely due to activities surrounding the eclipse rather than the eclipse itself. Observing a celestial phenomenon can indeed alter the usual evening routine. People might spend longer outside, return home later, travel to better viewing locations, or continue reviewing photos and videos after the event. It is known that light from smartphones and other electronic devices can influence the circadian rhythm. Studies show that the time and amount of exposure to light are essential for our biological clock, especially in the evening. It is also interesting that prolonged exposure to bright light before bedtime can affect the time it takes to fall asleep. In one laboratory study, three hours of exposure to bright light before sleep was linked to a longer time to fall asleep. Thus, what we do before and after the eclipse may be more critical for sleep than the brief decrease in daylight itself. In Slovenia, the partial solar eclipse will begin around 7:25 PM. The maximum phase will occur around 8:16 PM, when the Moon will cover approximately 91 percent of the Sun’s diameter.