Seasonal affective disorder affects a large number of people, even though they might not be aware of it. The symptoms start appearing in fall and get worse as the seasons progress until they seem to peak around the middle of winter. While there are many theories as to what causes SAD, one thing all experts agree on is that infrared light therapy can help those suffering from this type of depression.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder is described as being a mood disorder that affects people who usually have normal mental health throughout the majority of the year during winter. The symptoms include oversleeping, overeating, especially carb-rich foods, desire to avoid social situations, depression, lack of energy, problems concentrating and so on.
The problem is that many people don’t realize they have SAD. They simply attribute their desire to sleep until spring comes and lack of motivation to do anything, even things they enjoy, to every other imaginable factor, from saying they simply don’t like the cold to bad memories around this time of year and so on.
Most experts state that if you only have a mild case of the winter blues, then you can try infrared light therapy on your own. However, if your feelings of depression are severe, then you really need to consult a doctor, regardless of what it is caused by.Infrared LED Therapy Pad
Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder and How Infrared Light Therapy Can Help
While it seems most experts have at least one theory regarding the causes of seasonal affective disorder, they are still quick to say they aren’t certain. So, basically, there are theories but no one will come out and say that there is one particular cause. It could be because all of these theories are correct.
Thus, one theory attributes seasonal affective disorder to lower levels of outdoor light, which causes a disruption in our biological clock. Others believe that the lack of light disrupts the normal production of melatonin and serotonin, leading to drowsiness and depression. And yet others feel that the lack of sunlight leads to a vitamin D deficiency, which also leads to depression.
In all likelihood, all of these things occur, which is why infrared light therapy is so effective. It mimics sunlight and helps to regulate circadian rhythms and normalize sleep and waking cycles. The light also ensures melatonin is produced at the correct times. This hormone promotes drowsiness and is often produced earlier in the day in winter due to the shorter days since light is the trigger that stops its production.
Furthermore, infrared light therapy promotes the product of serotonin, which is considered a ‘feel-good’ hormone. The reduced levels of melatonin in the body helps boost energy levels while the higher levels of serotonin improve your mood.
Infrared light therapy has been shown to help relieve symptoms in many cases of seasonal affective disorder and is often used due to the lack of side effects. So, if you are looking for an effective way to treat SAD or merely to relieve the winter blues, consider purchasing a light therapy box as it will completely change your life.Light Relief 90LR15LR01 Infrared Pain Relief Device