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When the days get short and dark and winter comes upon us, many people experience the winter blues, also known as seasonal affective disorder (or SAD for short). This article discusses facts about seasonal affective disorder and what you can do about it. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that affects people during the fall and winter months, when the number of daylight hours are shortened. One scientific study suggests that it affects ten times as many people in the northern states, such as Vermont and Michigan, as in the Southern States, such as Alabama and Florida. Symptoms of SAD include feeling exhausted during the day, having less energy than usual, interrupted sleep patterns, not feeling rested after sleeping, and feelings of sadness or depression. Symptoms vary from person to person, from mild to severe. If symptoms are quite pronounced and every day life is affected, it is not advisable to just try to tough it out on your own. As with other forms of depression, it does respond very well to professional treatment. There are a wide variety of helpful therapies available, and the sufferer can choose one that best fits his or her lifestyle. Treatments options include: supplementing the hormone serotonin, antidepressant medication, ionized air administration, and light therapy with specialized lights. There are a number of home remedies and easy lifestyle changes that you can implement to help you feel better. Thirty minutes of moderate exercises three times a week is an excellent way to stave off the feelings that come with SAD. Going outside and into the natural daylight can also help reverse the effects.Taking a thirty minute walk around your neighborhood 3 times a week packs a double punch as it gets you outside into the light and you reap the benefits of exercise as well. Other ways to sneak in some sunshine during the day are to eat lunch outside or take regular breaks at work and walk outside either around the block or in the parking lot. If you happen to be in the car and weather permits, open up the windows and sunroof. As much as possible, try to maintain a regular schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Since SAD is thought to be caused by fluctuations in certain hormones, maintaining a regular sleep schedule can help to normalize hormone levels. Do not self medicate with caffeine during the day in order to stay awake. This puts undue stress on the adrenal glands and can elevate levels of cortisol and other harmful hormones. Also, do not drink coffee tea, or other caffeinated drinks in the evening as they can make it even more difficult to fall asleep. Do not overindulge in alcohol and never use alcohol as a sleep aid. This can disrupt sleep as well as lead to increased tolerance and dependence. Do not use medications to help you fall asleep, especially if they are not prescribed for you. Do invest in a light box. One of the easiest and most effective ways to treat seasonal affective disorder is to expose yourself every day to a light therapy box. These are specialized devices that emit the proper intensity of light to mimic the effects of sunlight reverse the physiologic manifestations of SAD. If you or someone you love suffers from SAD, take heart and know that with some effort on your part, you can soon feel better again. The goLITE BLU Energy Light is a highly effective light box that helps restore mood, energy levels and the sleep disturbances associated with SAD.
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