Don't be S.A.D. in the winter

SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Many people find that they sleep and eat slightly more in the winter, and dislike the dark mornings. For some however the symptoms are enough to disrupt their lives and cause considerable distress. These people have SAD.

The latest (1998) research indicates that in Britain about half a million people suffer from clinical S.A.D. with around five million having milder symptoms in varying degrees.

SAD stems from the lack of bright light in winter. Researchers have proved that bright light makes a difference to brain chemistry. The production of Melatonin, a substance that makes us drowsy, is suppressed by bright light entering the eyes. The lack of bright light on dull days inhibits this natural waking process. Exposure to bright light also appears to increase the production of a substance called Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that carries signals between the nerves in the brain. Lack of Serotonin is known to be a cause of depression.

In some extreme cases, the prospect of the long winter haul is enough to make them so depressed as to feel suicidal. Others may just feel quite miserable, with symptoms such as problems with sleep patterns, overeating, depression, loss of libido, irritability, lethargy, joint pain and stomach problems, and even behavioural problems in young children may be attributed to SAD.

Help is at hand. Using lightbox therapy, or other similar devices that are able to project the correct level of light, may help to reduce the symptoms. In some cases just half an hour a day is sufficient to help reduce tiredness, depression and other symptoms.

The light must be suitably bright, (about the same as a spring morning on a clear day), which must be between 5 and 20 times brighter than a well-lit office. Contrary to belief, the light need not be a special daylight match or 'full spectrum' type, and simply changing the lamps in a room to these special types will not produce sufficient light.
There are now many SAD light products available in the market, the most popular being the lightbox. Other products include alarm clocks with a light simulating dawn or a visor for those with limited time to use the lightbox, and also portable products for use even when exercising.

If you feel you may be suffering with this disorder, visit www.outsidein.co.uk or call Outside In on 01954 211955 for full product details.