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Posts Tagged ‘SAD’

Recognize SAD

Friday, February 17th, 2012

Many parts of the United States has recenlty been hit with snow, rain or just plain cold temperature. It’s also when people are really feeling SAD. And by SAD I mean their Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Recognizing the Onset of SAD

Are your mood swings more aggravated during winter? Do you feel a deep sense of unexplained sadness? Do you experience a change in your sleeping patterns, such as sleeping for longer periods of time, or not being able to sleep? Do you seem to put on weight or lose weight during winter?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could be suffering from SAD. The symptoms of depression begin to manifest towards the end of the fall season and escalate as winter begins. Gradually, your mood takes a turn for the worst, but they disappear during the spring and summer. This type of depression is not triggered by a traumatic incident, which gives psychiatrists a specific issue to pinpoint and tackle, but is unexplainable.

If you think you have SAD you should talk to your doctor, in order to be diagnosed by a doctor, you usually have to have had the same symptoms for three years in a row.

What is the Underlying Cause of SAD?

After years of studying SAD, doctors have proven evidence that the lack of sunlight is the main cause of SAD. In recent studies, doctors have found that a person’s genes, hormones, age, and physiological factors may also play a role in making a person more susceptible to developing SAD.

The production of melatonin happens during the night, and when the nights are long, our bodies produce an increased amount of melatonin, causing the onset of depression. In turn, depression interrupts our sleep and thus the production of serotonin – the brain chemical that affects our ability to feel pleasure – is whittled down.

Finding a Cure for SAD

Light Therapy

Light is an effective form of treatment for SAD. It is often referred to as bright light therapy, which utilizes light therapy boxes to provide broad spectrum lightning that replicates daylight. You will need to sit at 24 inches from a uniquely-designed bright light therapy box that emits 10,000 lux. The treatment lasts for 30 minutes and should be done within the first hour of getting up in the morning.

Keep Warm

Sunlight and warmth go hand in hand. In researching the need for additional light, doctors found that warmth also has a positive effect on combating SAD. It’s not necessary to turn up the heat in the entire home with costly energy. Just get cozy by bundling up in your warmest clothes and using a portable heater. A nice roaring fire is also a great way to keep warm by also adding additional light to your brightly lit home.

Vitamin D

Lack of sunlight decreases the amount of Vitamin D that is found in our blood. Through blood tests done on people suffering from SAD, it was found that their bodies were deficient in Vitamin D. Taking a daily dose of Vitamin D can counter the symptoms of SAD as it alleviates fatigue and depression naturally. It can be taken as a dietary pill supplement, or through the food you eat, such as some warm hot chocolate made with fortified Vitamin D milk.

So get rid of your winter blues and embrace the winter season the way it was meant to be enjoyed. Take action and practice the benefits that can help you defeat SAD.

Tags: 10000 lux, Bright light therapy, Depression, Light box, Light Therapy, SAD, SAD light, SAD lights, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Severe Depression, Sleep, Treatment, Vitamin D, Winter Blues, Winter Depression
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Light Therapy At The Gym?

Monday, February 13th, 2012

t’s that time of year again when many are starting to fall off the wagon in terms of keeping up with their New Year’s resolutions.

And for the 13 million Americans who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), it can be even harder for them to stay motivated.

But a new light therapy class at the New York Sports Club (NYSC) could help alleviate the depression symptoms associated with SAD.

Dr. Martica Heaner, exercise physiologist and nutritionist for NYSC, has created a new class designed to help participants beat the winter blues by exposing them to light as they work out.

“We wanted to develop a class that sort of captured the different elements that will not only burn calories and help you burn fat and lose weight, but will actually help boost your mood,” Heaner said.

The class starts with a boost of cardio to get endorphins flowing. Then participants do yoga and meditation, but they keep their eyes somewhat open so they can absorb some of the rays from the light box.

The gym chain is currently offering the class at New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. locations.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/02/10/new-fitness-class-sheds-light-on-combating-winter-blues/#ixzz1mHdRXeOW

Tags: Bright light therapy, Depression, Exercise, Gym, Light box, Light Therapy, Meditation, SAD, SAD light, SAD lights, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Severe Depression, Winter Blues, Winter Depression, yoga
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What to Consider When You Buy a Light Box

Friday, February 10th, 2012

There are a few important considerations to make before you decided which light box will help you the most.

Light therapy for SAD comes in different light intensities. Light boxes differ in light intensity, size, shape and features. These are the things you should consider to find the safest and most suitable light box for your needs:

Light Intensity – Look for a light box that provides the right intensity of light when you’re a comfortable distance away. For example, it may be effective to use a light box that produces 10,000 lux (a measurement of light intensity) at 24 inches from you for 30 minutes each morning.
Does it have Blue Light? Blue light can cause damage to your eyes so avoid a light box that uses blue light, especially if you have a history of eye issues.
Does it have no UV light? – There are certain light therapy boxes for SAD that use broad spectrum lights that don’t even emit UV rays. If you’re not sure, contact the manufacturer for safety information
Is the light box made for SAD and depression? Make sure you are not buying a light box designed for skin orders for example (red or blue light). You should look for a light box specifically for SAD or depression for it to be safe and effective for you.
Style and features – Make sure the size of light box fits your needs. Keep in mind; most light boxes need to be positioned within 2 feet of you.
Cost – The prices vary, but some health insurance companies cover some of the cost of light therapy for SAD, but you will of course have to get a prescription from your doctor.

Tags: 10000 lux, Bright light therapy, Depression, Light box, Light Therapy, LUX, SAD, SAD light, SAD lights, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Severe Depression, Sleep disorders, Sleep Routine, Winter Blues, Winter Depression
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Mild Winter – Mild Depression?

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

We’ve reached the home stretch until the first day of spring, which is just 41 days away…

But, Jack Frost has certainly been easy on us this year.

It’s hard to forget last year’s winter, getting dumped with piles of snow and barring arctic temps.

This year is the polar opposite and has many people in a better mood because of it.

However, even though our winter has been mild. Experts say the problem of seasonal affective disorder can still occur.

Psychologist Darcie Jacobs says, “I don’t think that we have hard data that there’s any less depression. I think if people are going to be affected by seasonal affective depression, they’re going to be more likely to have depression regardless of what the weather is doing.”
Statistically people those who live in a northern climate, and young females are prone to the winter blues.

The amount of daylight is also another factor. They experience a dip in mood not because of other related stressors but during the winter months.

Or you’re sad you missed out on winter this year, there’s always next year.

Since winter officially began on December 22, we added a total of an hour of daylight to our day. We’re averaging 1- 2 minutes of extra sunlight every day.

Tags: Bright light therapy, Depression, Light box, Light Therapy, SAD, SAD light, SAD lights, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Severe Depression, Spring, Winter Blues, Winter Depression
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Combat SAD

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

With the start of the winter season, many people begin feeling more tired, sluggish, and slightly depressed which can be a result of a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Ten to 20 percent of people experience a form of winter-onset SAD, a type of depression that starts in early winter and usually disappears during the sunnier days of spring and summer.

Symptoms of SAD can include loss of energy, depression, anxiety, oversleeping, and appetite changes. It is normal to have some days when you feel down, but if you feel down for several days at a time, and you find that you are no longer interested in activities that you normally enjoy, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor.

No one knows the root cause of SAD, but there are several factors that are likely to play a role in the condition. One factor may be your biological clock. It is common to have several gray, dreary days during the winter and this reduction in sunlight may disrupt the body’s internal clock which tells you when you should be awake and when you should be asleep. This disruption in circadian rhythm may lead to feelings of depression. Another cause may be a disrupted balance of melatonin and serotonin levels, which both play a role in affecting mood.

Additionally, factors that may increase your risk of SAD include:

Being female.
Living far from the equator.
Family history of SAD.

Whether you are experiencing SAD or just have a mild case of the ‘Winter Blues’, Mercy suggests these simple tips to beat the blues:

Exercise: Exercise is not just good for helping you maintain a healthy weight; it also helps you relieve everyday stresses. You will find yourself with more energy and in a better mood.
Eat a healthy diet: Avoid processed and refined foods such as white breads, rice, and sugar. These foods zap your energy levels and can adversely affect your mood. Instead, eat more complex carbohydrates found in whole wheat breads, brown rice, fruits and vegetables, and drink lots of water.
Get some sun: Even though it is dark and cold outside, it is healthy to spend as much time outdoors as possible. While inside, open your blinds and let the sunlight in.
Relax: Everyone gets busy and bogged down with work and chores, but make sure that you take time for yourself. Whether you try yoga and meditation, or take time to read a book before bed, relaxation can help alleviate stress and refresh your energy.
Get some sleep: With a busy schedule it can be difficult to get enough sleep. However, aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night and try to keep your bedtime and wake-time consistent; this way, you can regulate your sleeping patterns and you will have more energy. Avoid oversleeping, as this may leave you more tired. Naps also help in re-energizing your body.

Tags: bright light boxes, Bright light therapy, Diet, Exercise, Light box, Light box therapy, Light Boxes, Light Therapy, Light therapy boxes, light therapy for sad, SAD, SAD light, SAD light boxes, SAD light therapy, SAD lights, Seasonal Affective Disorder, seasonal affective disorder light, Seasonal affective disorder light therapy, Severe Depression, Winter Blues, Winter Depression
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