Does your mood instantly change with the appearance of sunlight? Do you hate grey skies, dark rooms, prefer summer than winter? You may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
According to research, 29% of Brits suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the winter which can cause irritability, a low mood, feelings of despair, difficulty waking up, lethargy during the day, carbohydrates cravings, weight gain and more.
Due to lifestyle and weather we tend to spend most of the time indoors. We rely on artificial light sources which can have unhealthy effects, such as the flickering lights of computers, flashing strobe lights and fluorescent tubes which trigger hyperactivity in the brain.
Once the sun shines, we change. We feel happier and brighter too. Our posture improves, we spend more time outside and choose different foods – think salads and sorbet and vibrant coloured foods, in contrast to the grey thundery skies which drive us to those warming comfort foods that are not often the best for our diets!
So what is the cure for SAD? Natural sunlight but in its absence there are alternatives:
SAD lamps which prompt the release of serotonin
Sunlight Therapy Rooms (www.Ruddingpark.co.uk) which help to overcome the risks of sunlight deprivation in winter
Vitamin D
A sunshine holiday
A book – Karl Ryberg – Light Your Life: The Art of Using Light for Health and Happiness
