Seasonal Depression Can Signal a Sleep Disorder (Part 1)
The ‘winter blues’ is an old expression that is more than just a tired cliche. More than likely you have experienced such a feeling yourself. We wake in the dark and go to work in the dark, and by the time we fall asleep, it has long been dark. With the cold weather and gloomy skies, it’s no surprise that some people suffer from seasonal depression and an overall sense of lethargy.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD) is a condition that develops when the ‘winter blues’ become more pronounced and debilitating. SAD affects over 10 million Americans each year. SAD symptoms include fatigue, overall sense of energy, weight gain, an increased appetite (including a craving for sweets that is not just because the holiday season is here) depression, mood swings, and a desire to sleep more. Besides affecting an individual’s ability to function normally, SAD can have a strong effect on their ability to get a good night’s sleep. It is estimated that roughly 70-80% of people affected by SAD are women.
Most people who are affected by SAD will notice onset of the disorder sometime in their 30s. Research has shown that there is a direct link between the SAD and light exposure. Logically, people who live in the cold northern climates are much more likely to experience SAD symptoms than people who reside in milder Southern climes.
SAD may affect a person’s ability to achieve restful sleep. In fact, many times the symptoms of SAD may indicate a sleep disorder. One cannot be sure if an underlying sleep disorder may cause SAD-type symptoms to become more pronounced, or if SAD may make an individual more apt to develop a sleep disorder. Regardless, researchers have shown that there is an inextricable link between seasonal depression and the inability to get a restful night’s sleep.
