Natural Remedies for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
Here we are in the middle of winter, and the all-too-common issue of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has begun to impact us. Even though the weather and temperatures have been exceptionally mild here in the Edmonton area so far, it’s the short days that really begin to wear us down. Especially for those of us who work indoors from 9-5, it can be tricky to get the sunlight our bodies need when we commute before the sun rises, and head home while it sets.
Though less than 10% of the population suffers from SAD severely enough to require medical treatment, everyone will experience SAD symptoms to some degree. These symptoms include:
- Difficulty getting up in the morning/over-sleeping
- Over-eating, especially carbohydrate-rich foods
- Lack of energy
SAD symptoms, not surprisingly, are similar to many other mental health disorders. However, these symptoms should be limited to one season (usually winter) and subside if you leave the environment that causes them (i.e. take a vacation in January to a beach). Many people who suffer with both severe and minor forms of SAD can benefit from some of these natural remedies:
Let the Light Shine in…
One of the most common causes of winter-based SAD is believed to be the depravation of sunlight – especially for those suffering far north of the equator. Therefore, exposure to light is an essential element to all SAD treatment. People with more severe symptoms may benefit from the purchase of light boxes which produce light 10 times that of the sun or typical household bulbs. However, merely timing your daily activities to include as much sunlight as possible has also proven effective.
Make a conscious effort to locate the window in your home or office that lets in the most light and then try to plan for activities near that window during peak daylight hours. Wash dishes during the day, for example, or take your lunch nearest the window rather than back in the corner of the break room. Also, make sure that your curtains are open during the day to allow for the most light to come into the room.
“Gobble” Up Amino Acid
Tryptophyan, the amino acid found in turkey, milk and egg whites is an especially great cure for SAD sufferers. This is because it is a precursor to serotonin, the mood-elevating hormone that drops during the winter. Instead, melatonin, the sleep hormone, is found in much larger quantities at this time.
Also, since people suffering from SAD tend to overindulge in carbohydrates, eating protein-rich foods instead may help to fill you up and avoid packing on the pounds.
Find Alternatives to Caffeine
A popular “self-cure” for the lack of energy common to SAD is an increased coffee consumption. However, the side-effects of too much caffeine can often be worse that the SAD that led you to it. Too much caffeine can cause anxiety, tension (especially muscle tension) and cause stomach ulcers. Instead, consider other warm beverages such as herbal teas and chicken broth. Warm fluids also have the advantage of causing a “full” feeling that will lessen the likelihood of indulging in carbohydrates.
If the lack of sunlight is getting to you, visit us to get a boost from our Infrared Sauna. The rays from our sauna mimic the benefits of natural sunlight, naturally elevating your mood and combating SAD. Add a 30-minute session to your next massage appointment to see it for yourself!
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- Natural Remedies for Seasonal Affective Disorder