Seasonal Affective Disorder - AKA "The Winter Blues"
It is estimated that over 70 million people suffer from a condition called "Winter Blues" in North America alone. Winter Blues is about 4 times more common in women than in men and although it occurs in children, the majority of those who suffer this phenomenon are over the age of 20.
Winter Blues is our bodies' response to dimishing exposure to sunlight during the fall and winter seasons (typically from September through April) in primarily northern latitudes. Winter Blues has been linked to the "hibernation response" seen in other mammals. It is apparent that many of us are "hard wired" to experience hibernation tendencies.
Symptoms of Winter Blues include:
- Lack of energy
- Decreased interest in work or other activities
- Increased appetite with weight gain
- Carbohydrate cravings
- Increased sleep
- Winter-only sadness
- Social withdrawal
- Afternoon slumps with low energy and poor concentration
These conditions gradually dissipate into remission as the hours of sunlight increase in the spring. Unfortunately, for those who suffer Winter Blues, the aforementioned symptoms reappear at the same time the following year.
Although short, dark days are the primary cause of Winter Blues, current studies indicate that Winter Blues' symptoms also
arise among people all over the world who spend greater amounts of time working indoors where the light is less intense than sunlight.
The Solution
Bright light has been shown to be an effective solution. Research proves that blue-green light entering the eye suppresses the secretion of melatonin, a hormone associated with sleep, from the human pineal gland. This melatonin suppression enhances wakefulness. Studies also reveal that bright light stimulates the brain to release/activate a neurotransmitter called serotonin, a mood elevator that prescription anti-depressant drugs mimic. In terms of biochemistry, bright light reduces melatonin production and increases serotonin levels.
The Feel Bright Light can help as studies have shown that a short dose (20-30 minutes) of bright light upon waking can greatly aid those who suffer from Winter Blues. |
