There is much speculation, and in some cases strong belief, that the Moon affects our behaviour - so much so that it is even the basis of the word lunacy. But is there much science behind the myth?

Many police officers or emergency services staff will insist there is an increase in accidents or incidents of violence when the moon is full. Back in 2007, the British seaside town of Brighton went as far as to employ extra police officers during full moons.

There have been varied studies carried out to determine the Moon's affect on our psyche. Most recently in 2013, research data showed participants took five minutes longer to fall asleep on the three or four nights surrounding a full moon and they slept for 20 fewer minutes. However, even its authors downplayed the data on the basis that just 33 people took part in the study.

The link between the Lunar Cycle and the oceanic tides is also well established. And it is often argued that the Moon exerts its influence in the same way on the water in our bodies. But scientists point out that the Moon is smaller than the Earth, so its gravitational pull is considerably reduced.

Others suggest that it’s the light from a full moon that affects people, yet its luminance is as potent as a quarter of that of a candle.

So what is the basis for all the folklore? "One reason is that people have selective memories," according to Eric Chudler, a psychologist at the University of Washington in Seattle, who spoke to National Geographic.

"When something unusual happens and there is a full moon, people might notice the moon and assign blame."