Fear Not the Winter Blues

AUTHOR: Henry Emmons, M.D.

PUBLICATION NAME: Psychology Today

SUMMARY: During the winter months, people begin to feel more tired and depressed. The reason behind this is because of the increased levels of melatonin that our bodies produce. The human body automatically produces melatonin, the sleep hormone, when light levels are low. In order to create melatonin, the body uses up seratonin, one of the hormones which keeps us happy. If we were to go to sleep at the time that the brain begins the production of melatonin, perhaps as early as 6pm, there would be no issue. But, because our schedules do not change much with the seasons, we keep ourselves awake, forcing the brain to create more melatonin, which lowers the level of seratonin and makes us more tired.

Researchers have found that 10% of people who live in northern latitudes will develop significant symptoms of depression. As many as 25% of northern populations will develop the milder version, known as SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Fortunately for us, there are ways of combating these "Winter Blues." In order to prevent SAD, you must trick your brain into thinking that it is summer. Scientists suggest that you expose yourself to brighter lights when you feel tired, get about 8-9 hours of sleep each night, eat light foods, exercise in the afternoon, and take B complex, Omega-3, and Vitamin D3.

LINKS TO STUDY: None

ARTICLE: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-chemistry-calm/201012/fear-not-the-winter-blues

SUBMITTED BY: Rosemary Barrass