Do you get the “Winter Blues”?
If you’re feeling withdrawn, lethargic or irritable at this time of year….you are not alone! Americans are spending increasing amounts of time– working, watching TV and shopping– indoors.
There are indications that as nights grow longer, 1 in 4 adults experience the winter blahs. That translates to 35 million Americans. Women are affected 4 times as often as men.
Symptoms might be mild or debilitating and can include:
- Lack of energy
- Poor concentration
- Carbohydrate craving
- Increased need for sleep
- Decreased interest in life
There is a possibility you may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Researchers believe S.A.D. is caused by a reduction of outdoor light to the optic nerve. Increased darkness triggers the production of a melatonin, a hormone that affects mood and regulates our wake-sleep cycle. Ever feel like “hibernating”?
Bright light therapy has proven effective for winter blues, S.A.D., PMS, and other depressions according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Exposure to periods of the right kind of high-intensity artificial light for several days has shown to be an effective non-drug treatment with few side effects. Now you can have a convenient and cost effective system in your own home.
The professionals here at Key Life Directions are prepared to answer your questions and address your concerns.