As the seasons change, temperatures begin to drop and the sun begins to set earlier. A percentage of the population will begin to experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you are one of these individuals, it’s important to visit your physician to identify the symptoms, educate yourself about the disorder, and be proactive in treatment for your care.
SAD is caused by a hormonal imbalance that leads to periods of depression, often during the winter months. The shorter days and colder temperatures lead to a delayed response from the brain in the morning because the sun isn’t as bright or up as early. This causes the brain’s internal clock to be out of calibration, which means melatonin cycles from the night before continuing into the morning. Limited exposure to sunlight also reduces the body’s production of serotonin which is responsible for regulating mood and the feeling of happiness.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is most commonly experienced in fall and winter months. Alternatively, and less often, people experience the opposite cycle with symptoms in the spring and summer. These are the symptoms of SAD to take note of:
It is important to seek treatment for complications of SAD since it can have serious life-altering effects which include:
It’s is always recommended to communicate with your physician when in need of medical advice. Physicians will be able to identify if there are other causes for your symptoms and can help to establish the best method of care. They may advocate for psychotherapy and or medication. They may also recommend the practice of the following:
Even if you have to adjust your daily schedule, make sure that you’re getting the recommended amount of sleep each night. Another option is to wake up a little bit earlier than you usually would so your brain has more time to soak in more natural light. Getting the right amount of sleep is crucial to physical and mental health and will keep you focused and energized.
Living further from the equator increases your risk for SAD, since some northern areas do not experience sunrise until 9 am. Using a lightbox that provides up to 10,000 lux of illumination for 30 minutes a day can help. This is known as light therapy. You can put it in your home office or on your kitchen table. This is the best way to simulate natural light in the morning when the sun hasn’t risen. The light is intended to stave off feelings of lethargy and fatigue and can help sync your brain’s internal clock. Many of them provide Vitamin D, which has also been proven to help depression.
A nutritious diet can fix and prevent many health problems, and it is a powerful tool for fighting SAD. Make sure that you’re eating the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and calcium to help increase your energy levels.
This post was last modified on November 3, 2022 11:04 am
In an era where the pace of life seems to be constantly accelerating, safeguarding our mental wellness has never been… Read More
When you are healthy, and your lungs are clear, it becomes easy to breathe. Occasionally, you feel like coughing, which… Read More
As Sweden continues to advance its public health initiatives, the debate around smoking cessation methods, including vaping, gains prominence. This… Read More
Starting a private practice is very exciting and quite terrifying all at once. It takes a lot of hard work… Read More
For the orthopedic practice to flourish in the highly competitive healthcare market of today, it is not enough to have… Read More
Providing good oral hygiene for your child plays an important role in their health development. Healthy teeth and gums, which… Read More
The news of pregnancy is often a rollercoaster of emotions an invigorating affirmation of plans, an echo of fate, or… Read More
Exploring the intricate and often kaleidoscopic world of spirituality is akin to stepping into an artist's workshop, where the canvas… Read More
Searching for the right dental care that balances affordability with quality can seem challenging. Whether you need routine cleanings, urgent… Read More
A lot of people need prescription meds almost every day, and a good portion of them are even life-saving enough… Read More