By: Jillian Curry
This winter has already proven to be a harsh one. With its recent snow storms and frigid
temperatures, many people may find themselves feeling tired, unable to
concentrate, and depressed.
These feelings may be signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD) or “the winter blues”, which according to Psych Central, affects as many
as 14 million Americans every year. Its
cause is thought to be related to a disruption in the body’s circadian rhythm,
or “sleep-wake” cycle. While the body is
asleep, assuming there is darkness, a hormone called melatonin is produced in
order to create the drowsiness associated with sleep. As the winter days grow shorter, the increased
amount of darkness confuses the body’s melatonin regulation, leading to feelings
of drowsiness, lack of energy, and even depression.
The key to treating SAD is to help the body recognize and
regulate the proper time to produce melatonin.
For some people, this can be done by taking melatonin supplements before
bed. Other people respond better to
taking the supplement when waking in the morning. This signals the brain to stop producing
melatonin during the day, by suggesting that the right levels have been
reached.
Other forms of treatment for SAD include light therapy, cognitive-behavioral
therapy, and antidepressant medications.
With all these options, it is very possible to relieve the symptoms
associated with SAD until the spring months arrive again.
