There are four classic symptoms experienced by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) sufferers:- Extreme fatigue and lack of energy.
- Greater need for sleep and sleeping more than usual.
- Changes in appetite, especially cravings for carbohydrates and sweets, which can often lead to weight gain.
- Depression.
Further, there are a number of other symptoms, which may be experienced by some sufferers:- Mood - sufferers tend to feel sad and low. They're often less interested in life and find it difficult to cope with everyday tasks. They may be irritable and short with friends and colleagues.
- Sleep - sleep disorders and disturbance are common in SAD but vary from case to case – feeling excessively sleepy during the day is a common feature, and sleep is less satisfying.
- Anxiety - tension, inability to cope with stress, phobias.
- Loss of libido - decreased interest in sex.
- Menstrual difficulties - pre menstrual tension may be worse, or cycle may be irregular.
- Feelings of hopelessness.
- Increased sensitivity to pain - headaches, muscle and joint pain.
- Other physical ailments - constipation, diarrhoea, palpitations.
Who suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms?
Recent studies have shown that many people within any given population above or below 30 degrees latitude, notice seasonal changes and suffer from seasonal affective disorder. Extensive worldwide research has shown that between 5 and 10% of the population suffers from the symptoms of severe seasonal affective disorder and a further 25% suffer the milder yet still problematic symptoms (S-SAD). Age is also a factor in the prevalence of SAD, though there has not been any conclusions drawn on what role gender plays.
Light Therapy
See main article on Light Therapy.
Light levels determine the sleep/wake cycles of both animals and humans. The desire to sleep is bought on by the secretion from the pineal gland of a hormone called Melatonin. Bright light has been consistently proven to significantly reduce Melatonin, thereby greatly improving our energy levels.
Through the action of Melatonin, light also affects:- Pituitary gland, the master gland of the hormonal system
- Adrenaline, Serotonin and Dopamine levels
- Affecting autonomic systems such as moods, emotions, eating and sleeping
See Also