Is Sleep Disorder a Common Problem of SAD?

SAD which adversely affects millions of people worldwide is nothing else but a type of depression which afflicts people at certain times of the year. Usually it is the winter but then again it might be summer or spring too. Mood swings are common and you may also feel less energetic. The result is a drop in your work output. There is also a noticeable change in the pattern of eating and sleeping. If you would like to view the common symptoms of SAD at a glance, continue reading…

Symptoms of SAD

If you have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), you will usually have symptoms of depression during the winter when there is less daylight (October through April). Symptoms of SAD include:

• Difficulty concentrating.
• Low energy and fatigue.
• Reduced interest in daily activities, especially social activities.
• Moodiness (depressed, sad, or unusually quiet).
• Increased appetite.
• Cravings for complex carbohydrates (such as pasta and bread).
• Weight gain.
• Increased sleep.
• Loss of interest in sex.
• Irritability.

People with SAD may either have symptoms of major depression or minor depression. Those with minor depression are considered to have subsyndromal SAD.

Ref: http://www.webmd.com/depression/tc/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-symptoms




Of all the symptoms, sleep disorder is one that affects the normal lives of the afflicted to a large extent. Once the sleep cycle of a person is disturbed he can hardly go about his daily life in the same spirit or with the same vigor. He is bound to feel listless and this will leave a negative impact on his activities. Light is very much the cause behind this sleep disorder.

How is light related to sleep patterns?

Theories about how light affects mood and sleep

In 1984, a psychiatrist at NIMH, Norman Rosenthal, published a paper on the use of bright light therapy in patients with this disorder. Since then, a large number of well-designed studies have confirmed and refined these findings. Researchers are still investigating mode by which bright light can lift depression or reset a sleep cycle. One theory is that an area of the brain, near the visual pathway, the suprachiasmatic nucleus responds to light by sending out a signal to suppress the secretion of a hormone called melatonin. Brain studies suggest that there is impairment serotonin function in neurons leading to the suprachiasmatic nucleus.

Initial theories suggested a pathway from the retina to the suprachiasmatic nucleus. However some recent research indicated that bright light applied to the back of an individual's knee could shift human circadian rhythms. (Daily sleep-wake cycle) This suggests that the bloodstream, not just the neurons of the visual pathways, might mediate the biological clock.

Ref: http://www.ncpamd.com/seasonal.htm

Instructions

Look for the major symptoms of SAD, which include:

1)

• A change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods
• Weight gain
• A drop in energy level
• Fatigue
• A tendency to oversleep or under sleep
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability and anxiety
• Increased sensitivity to social rejection
• Avoidance of social situations
• A loss of interest in the activities you used to enjoy

With your understanding of the effect of light on sleep cycle, it is time to learn about the preventive measures that can relieve you from the adversities of SAD.

2)

Get some good old-fashioned sunshine. This can do a world of good for depression. Some specialists also recommend purchasing a SAD light box. Light boxes use a special level of light, whereas ultraviolet light, full-spectrum light, tanning lamps and heat lamps should not be used to treat SAD.
3)

Engage in vigorous exercise, such as treadmill running, three times a week. Recent studies have shown that exercise can greatly improve the symptoms of SAD.

4)

Consult with your primary care practitioner or therapist regarding the use of antidepressant medications, since SAD may have a biological component that requires medication as part of the treatment plan. Medications can be a valuable tool against depression, and there are many available today that have few side effects.

Ref: http://www.ehow.com/how_4698452_treat-seasonal-affective-disorder-sad.html

This article has probably prepared you quite well for the upcoming winter. You are thoroughly armed – complete with the knowledge of symptoms, causes and cures of SAD. What more? If you feel that you need to equip yourself more on SAD and sleep disorder, move on to….