With daylight saving time beginning on March 8, we can all expect to lose an hour of sleep and, as a result, have our circadian rhythms disrupted. This can leave you feeling tired and out of it during the day. Plus, while seasonal affective disorder tends to be associated with the fall and winter seasons, some people experience it during the spring and summer, too.
But one technique that can help you adjust to the time change -- or manage symptoms of SAD -- is light therapy, typically using a light therapy lamp. Here’s what you need to know to use it safely and effectively for an energy boost.
What is seasonal affective disorder?
SAD is a disorder predominant during certain months (most commonly during fall and winter) and may ease with the change of seasons. In rare cases, people may experience SAD during the spring and summer, and symptoms resolve during the fall and winter. Some people experience a combination of symptoms such as lethargy, low mood, lack of interest in things they usually enjoy, weight gain and hypersomnia.
Common SAD treatments include medication, psychotherapy and phototherapy (light therapy).
Seasonal affective disorder symptoms
Seasonal affective disorder will look different depending on how you express it. The common symptoms mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, aka DSM-5 -- where it's referred to as a major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern -- include the following:
Feelings of sadness
Sleeping more than usual
Feeling tired or unusually fatigued in spite of adequate sleep
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