Here’s why you don’t always feel on top form when it’s cold, dark, and wintery. subtitle for your new post
Sometimes winter just feels like a bit of a slog.
As the nights draw closer, we start to change our day-to-day routines, we can seem low, and getting into bed and hibernation can often feel like the only thing for it.
There are reasons why you feel like you’ve got a full-blown dose of the winter blues, so let’s find out more – along with learning ways to overcome it so you can feel like yourself again.
What are the winter blues?
The winter blues occur when – just as the name suggests – the cold season sets in, with lowering temperatures, shorter days, and a disruption to the regular daily routine, resulting in a mood shift.
You may find yourself feeling more down and lethargic than usual, have some difficulty concentrating and sleeping, and even lose motivation to perform basic tasks.
There’s also a common link between the onset of the winter blues and a specific event associated with the seasonal shift, such as a reminder of absent loved ones or a holiday that brings distress.
What causes SAD?
Scientists are yet to understand the true cause of SAD, but research has raised several possibilities, and the sunlight – or lack thereof – is key.
Those with the condition may potentially have decreased activity of serotonin, a brain chemical responsible for the regulation of mood and considered a ‘happy hormone’.
Sunlight exposure is directly associated with Vitamin D synthesis within our bodies, and the two play an important role in serotonin levels in our bodies.
Another possibility is that the lack of sunlight might affect the hypothalamus – a section of the brain that plays an important role in hormone production – and impair the production of serotonin, melatonin (a hormone that can make you feel tired), and the body’s internal body clock.
What are the symptoms of SAD?
Below are 10 symptoms of SAD
10 symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has many symptoms and these vary from person to person but may include:
- Persistent feelings of depression
- Irritability
- A loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite
- Withdrawing and isolating yourself from loved ones
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt and despair
- Sleeping difficulties
- Feeling lethargic
- Difficulties concentrating
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Summary
- The jury is still out on what exactly causes SAD, but in many people there is a decreased level of serotonin, the ‘happy hormone’.
- Sunlight allows our bodies to create vitamin D, which has a direct impact on the level of serotonin in our body.
- Sunlight may affect the hypothalamus, which is important for hormone production.
- There are many potential symptoms of SAD and these vary depending on the person, although they may include depression and irritability, to name a few.
