Hi belleroo, just saw this on another site and thought it might be of interest to you xx
Beating The Winter Blues
As the days get shorter, with less hours of sunlight, do you find yourself increasingly lacking in energy, with feelings of listlessness? You might be suffering from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), also called the 'winter blues'.
Although the cause of SAD is attributed to the lack of exposure to sunlight, it has not yet been determined whether a person's susceptibility is genetic, stress related or both.
Many scientists feel that SAD is a product of modern society that confines us indoors, with stress levels increased by a work environment where we hardly ever see the sun.
Also, when working a night shift or a job that requires frequent travelling, many people undergo health problems as their body rhythms are thrown off by lack of sunlight.
SAD usually begins, in the Northern Hemisphere, around November and reaches its worst point for sufferers in January and February. Symptoms usually wane in the Spring.
The lack of sun causes the body's level of serotonin (a hormone that affects emotions) to decrease while increasing the level of melatonin (the hormone which makes us feel sleepy), which can cause seasonal depression.
This disorder has a lot in common with the hibernation of animals. As the days grow shorter and the light becomes less intense, it increases the desire to 'hibernate'.
Symptoms of SAD
? Appetite change ? craving sweet and starchy food (chocolate, pasta, bread)
? Difficulty in waking up
? Weight gain
? Lack of energy
? Mood swings
? Depression
Treatment
One of the most popular treatments of this disorder is the use of light therapy. This device is a bank of white fluorescent lights on a metal reflector and shield with a plastic screen.
Light therapy is effective in up to 85% of cases, according to the SAD Association. One of the latest models is the Litebook, which produces one of the closest matches yet to natural sunlight.
The Litebook is also portable, so you can put it on your desk, bedside table or keep it in a bag. For the best results, use the Litebook for 30 minutes as soon as waking.
Dr Jan Wise, a consultant psychiatrist and expert in seasonal depression and light therapy, says: "Light therapy is an important and clinically proven treatment for seasonal depression. It is non-invasive, non-chemical and enables anyone with SAD to control their symptoms as naturally and effectively as possible."
Top tips on beating the winter blues
? Go for a brisk walk every day for at least 20 minutes.
? Do something to reduce your stress levels such as cycling or swimming.
? Cut down on caffeine and alcohol.
? Take magnesium and B complex vitamins. A banana smoothie in the morning is a good way of topping up your magnesium levels.
? Increase Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Research has shown these to be effective in alleviating mild depression and symptoms of SAD. Flax seed oil and fish oil are the best sources.
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