Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as the winter blues or seasonal depression, is a type of depression related to the change in seasons.
When Does It Happen? SAD is most common in the fall and winter months when the days are shorter and there is less exposure to sunlight.
Why Does It Happen? Sunlight plays an essential role in the body’s natural production of vitamin D, serotonin, and melatonin. Vitamin D contributes to serotonin production. Serotonin, which regulates mood and appetite, converts to melatonin. Melatonin controls sleep and wake cycles. When there is less exposure to natural light in the winter months, the body may produce insufficient levels of these chemicals, leading to depression, sleep disruption, or other changes in the body.
What Are the Symptoms? The signs of SAD range from mild to severe. Those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder may:
- feel depressed, sad, or hopeless
- feel tired or fatigued
- have problems with sleep
- feel anxious or agitated
- lack the ability to concentrate or cope with stress
- withdraw from social activities
- not want to do the things they normally enjoy doing
- crave carbohydrates or sugary foods
- notice weight gain or loss
- be more prone to physical problems like getting the flu or the common cold
Wiseman Health Take-Home Advice
- Start early: optimize sunlight intake in the summer and early fall months. Maintain adequate levels of vitamin D by taking a vitamin D3 supplement. Most adults need to supplement with 5,000–10,000 IUs during the fall and winter months due to the seasonal decrease in UVB-rays. For a high-quality formula, see our Wiseman Health Vitamin D3 with K2. Before starting a supplement, consult with your medical provider on your vitamin D levels and appropriate dosage.
- Increase your exposure to natural light as often as possible. During the day, keep blinds and curtains open and turn indoor lights off, when possible, to maximize natural sunlight exposure. Take a walk outside in the morning or midday. Anytime that you can get outdoors in the sunlight will help boost your vitamin D intake the natural way. Learn more about our WFP approach to sunlight and vitamin D by reading our article: 11 Tips for Sunlight, Sunscreen, & Vitamin D.
- Aim to exercise at least 3–4 times a week for at least 30 minutes. Consistent, moderate exercise has been shown to help alleviate depressive symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder. When sunlight is available, try to exercise outdoors to maximize exposure to natural light.
- Certain regions of the nation experience less sunlight during fall and winter months. When sunlight is limited, you can use a dawn simulator—a form of light therapy that functions as a natural wake-up light in the bedroom. Dawn simulators, which mimic the light changes of a natural sunrise, are shown to be effective in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder. The gradual increase in brightness occurs over a set period of time in the morning and is intended to help the body regulate sleep and wake cycles.
- Supplement with high-quality, animal-based omega-3 fats, such as our Wiseman Health Fish Oil Complete.
- Decrease or eliminate sugar and grains. Consume whole foods that have not been processed and still retain their natural nutrients.
- Keep a regular sleep schedule of 7–9 hours a night. For other ways to ensure a good night’s rest and to optimize sleep the natural way, read our recommendations: 12 Tips for Better Sleep.
- Make it a priority to stay connected with friends and family and to practice gratitude at every opportunity.
- Use meditation as a way to support and strengthen your mind and body. Try the guided meditation app Waking Up, which offers insight and guidance for staying balanced and relaxed while also exploring our connection to the world around us. The Calm and Headspace smartphone apps are also great tools that help increase relaxation and mindfulness through meditation. In addition to boosting emotional and mental well-being, both apps also provide guided meditation for sleep. To learn more about the benefits of meditation and how this practice can help you positively influence your mind in order to control your health, read our article Meditation: The Mind & Body Benefits.
- In addition to sunlight, exercise, and supplementing with vitamin D and fish oil, there are many other natural strategies you can implement to boost your immune system during the winter months as well as all year round. Read our tips for strengthening your immune system here.
To see all of our Wiseman Health supplements, visit our online Health Store; to explore other ways to optimize your health the natural way, see our Preventive 10 strategies.
Editor’s Note: This content was created by our Wiseman Health content and writing team, without the influence of artificial intelligence engines. Our goal is to be your trusted source for natural health and medical information. This article was originally published on October 20, 2015 and has since been updated.
Danilenko KV, Ivanova IA. (2015, June 15) Dawn simulation vs. bright light in seasonal affective disorder: Treatment effects and subjective preference. Retrieved October 23, 2017 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25885065
Groom KN, O’Connor ME. (1996 October) Relation of light and exercise to seasonal depressive symptoms: preliminary development of a scale. Retrieved October 23, 2017 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8902007
Adams, C. (2013, January 01) One Hour of Light Therapy Reduces Depression. Greenmedinfo.com.
Vitamin D Council What Is Vitamin D? vitamindcouncil.org.
Everything sounds pretty good I will try it and pass it along to my friends
As a fitness instructor and trainer, I can tell you that this is great advice. It is also a way to make sure your immune system is robust and can protect you aganist the C-virus, seasonal flu or other bad stuff. ENJOY!