Preventing and Treating SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder
Dr. Carlos   Optimal Health Expert

I began seeing it about four to six weeks ago in several patients as well as in friends and family. As the days have grown shorter in the northern hemisphere many prone individuals notice something’s off -- be it a little shift in quality of sleep, a bit of short-temperedness, or an abrupt drop in energy compared to the bright summer months.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) has been identified by scientists for decades as a true phenomenon that affects millions of people in the days of shorter daylight. According to the Mayo Clinic, the psychiatric community does not recognize SAD as a major, distinct disorder, but rather as a subtype of depression or bipolar disorder.  SAD appears to occur more frequently in the northern latitudes (proximity to the North Pole) such as Alaska, Canada, and the Nordic regions of Europe, while areas closer to the equator seem to report many fewer cases.

Interestingly, the Icelandic people seem spared of such suffering despite residing at one of the highest latitudes of any country in the world. There appears to be a type of genetic protection offered to them that many of us seem to lack, though another theory cites the high intake of fish (see: http://toolstolife.com/articles/Does-Seafood-Safety-Outweigh-Its-Benefits-182) offers them protection.

Seen in the same light (pardon the pun) as depression, the medical community often treats SAD with one or more mood supporting medications, such as Wellbutrin, Paxil, or Zoloft, as well as with sleep aides such as Ambien and Lunesta. The first three help boost serotonin, a key feel-good brain chemical that some people do not make enough of. I choose this route as a last resort as I prefer to go to the source of the problem. These drugs also come with a host of risks I’m not in favor of taking with my patients.

The pineal is a poorly understood gland that sits deep in the primitive area of our midbrain (behind the eyes and nose). It appears to be sensitive to changes in sunlight. This crucial gland secretes melatonin, a key neurotransmitter/hormone that governs our sleeping/waking cycle. Nearly identical in structure to serotonin, melatonin also plays a vital role in our mood state as well. This is why light therapy is a medically accepted treatment for SAD, used in clinics throughout the world.  The neat thing is, you do not need to see a doctor to get it.

What’s your best source of light? You guessed it, the sun! In cooler months we just don’t get outside enough, which is a major reason why so many of us suffer. You can change this though.  Just throw on an extra sweater and get outside.  Though this is controversial in some circles, I have recommended some patients go to tanning booths in the winter months, and they have reported great improvements in mood state as a result. (Yes, even here in Phoenix, AZ people suffer!) Did you know that full-spectrum light bulbs are available? These mimic the rays of the sun and trick your brain into thinking there is more light than there really is. Could make a great holiday gift.

The good news here is that you are not crazy, and you’re definitely not alone. Hopefully this might spark some discussion among Tools to Life members, offering more support to those who may have thought there was no end to their suffering.

Healthiest regards,

Dr. Carlos