FBL Home Winter Blues Insomnia Jet Lag Shift Change Fatigue Feel Bright Light Photohterapy Research/Studies FAQ Buy Online Awake and Alert Contact Us   Some information is provided in a PDF Format. A free download is provided here.

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... Studies have shown that a short dose (20-30 minutes) of bright light upon waking can greatly aid those who suffer from Winter Blues.  Click here to learn more about PEP's Feel Bright Light! Click here to purchase.

THE MATERIALS PROVIDED AT THIS SITE ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Applicable law may not allow the exclusion of implied warranties, so the exclusion above may not apply in some cases. Furthermore, Physician Engineered Products, Inc. does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the materials at this site, and may make changes to the materials and prices at any time without notice. The information provided on this website is of a general nature only and is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular organization or individual. Therefore, you should always consult a suitably qualified professional before applying the information on this site to your specific situation.

2004 ©, Physician Engineered Products Inc. All rights reserved.
103 Smith Street; Fryeburg, ME 04037 - (800) 622-6240 - info@peponline.com