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Sleeping all day and still being tired
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An insatiable desire for chocolate glazed donuts
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Shunning social situations
Believe it or not, these are all recognized symptoms of "the Winter Blues." Scientists have long known that the amount of light affects people in different ways. One way it affects people this time of year is with "Seasonal Affective Disorder" or SAD.
SAD
was described by Dr. Norman Rosenthal in 1984, who had some success
treating affected people with light therapy. According to the National
Mental Health Association (NMHA), 25% of people experience some symptoms
of the milder winter blues, and 5% have severe symptoms of SAD. Most
sufferers are women.
SAD appears to be deeply involved in the complex interplay of chemicals in the brain -- an area science is still trying to unlock. Some scientists believe that the absence of sunlight in winter leads to high levels of melatonin in the body. Melatonin is a chemical produced by the pineal gland. Scientists speculate it’s a crucial component in maintaining the circadian rhythms that govern the body’s clock. Melatonin production is suppressed by light and therefore levels are higher during night hours. With shorter days and longer nights in winter, more melatonin is produced.
People with SAD get more depressed and anxious as the days get shorter. Winter solstice celebrations across the world may be a society’s way of dealing with the emotional changes brought on by shortening days. Additional symptoms include a craving for starchy or sweet foods. Foods high in carbohydrates and sugar tend to raise the body’s temperature, possibly offsetting lowered body temperatures brought on by raised melatonin levels. Some people afflicted with winter blues also sleep for extended periods of time, without feeling more rested.
 image ©2002 Bio-Brite, Inc. used by permission |
| This light box, from www.biobrite.com,
is used to treat SAD |
If the cause of SAD is lack of light, the solution may be as simple as restoring light, and many people are doing just that with light therapy. NMHA points out that while research hasn’t shown light therapy to have an antidepressant effect, it has helped many people afflicted with seasonal affective disorder and winter blues. Doctors sometimes recommend sitting in front of a bright full spectrum light for between a half an hour and three hours a day. Usually people use the light in the morning. Using it later in the day or in the evening could disrupt sleep patterns. You can buy light boxes specifically designed for treating SAD over the Internet. Prices range from $100 - $400.
Doctors also recommend regular exercise for the winter blues, especially exercise outdoors in the daylight. Exercise is a proven treatment for depression.
NMHA urges people with symptoms of SAD to see a doctor or mental health professional, particularly if the symptoms are severe.
For most people with mild symptoms, the ultimate cure is on its way. Spring is only a few short months off.
Information on SAD
Dr. Norman
Rosenthal
The
National Mental Health Association information on SAD
The National Organization
for Seasonal Affective Disorder (NOSAD)
Sellers of Light Therapy Devices
PhoThera
HealthyE
Bio-Brite, Inc.
Contact: gilleymedia@live.com
