Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment

Although it might sound like a very bad pun, shedding light on people who suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is exactly what the doctor ordered, quite literally that is. Many people are truly affected by those shorter, darker days of winter. In fact, they may even go into real bouts of depression. This is a recognized condition and it is more common than you might think.

The term “SAD” was coined by Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal in 1984 to describe a medical condition that results from a biochemical imbalance of the hypothalamus. This imbalance is triggered by a deficiency in melatonin in the pineal gland. Melatonin is derived from the body’s perception of light. In other words, the body manufactures it when exposed to direct sunlight. Because of the inherent dangers of being overexposed to direct sunlight, melatonin is one hormone many of us are deficient in. The lack of melatonin is directly responsible for SAD, according to researchers.

Let’s put this in simple terms. If you don’t get enough sunlight your body doesn’t make enough melatonin. The lack of melatonin is directly linked to becoming depressed which often times requires the use of drug therapy. Researches have found that there is an alarming suicide rate in Seattle. The per capita rate is much, much higher than elsewhere in the United States. They attribute this to the fact that the “Rainy City” doesn’t get enough annual direct sunlight.

All that being said, if you aren’t into taking psychotropic drugs you might like to find a specially designed box that emits the correct amount of light (measured in lux.) Or, you could move south for the winter. Some people use herb and aroma therapy to lighten their moods on those dreary winter days. Just know that you are not alone. (I guess misery loves company!)

2010 Effective Colon Cleanser