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Is Lack of Sun a Cause of Depression?

For some people, inadequate sunlight may cause a very real type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This depression can range in severity from mild to serious.

  1. What is SAD?

    • Seasonal affective disorder usually occurs during the winter, in areas where winter weather is often overcast, leaving few sunny days. The symptoms of SAD are lethargy, sadness and depression. Sometimes the depression can be so severe that suicidal thoughts occur.

    How Does Lack of Sun Cause SAD?

    • Reduced levels of sunlight can disrupt your sleep cycles by upsetting your body's balance of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep patterns. Levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, are also disrupted.

    When Will the Depression Subside?

    • Relief from seasonal depression usually comes in spring, when daylight increases and there are fewer overcast days.

    Treatment for Depression Due to Lack of Sunlight

    • Treatments for SAD may include psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Some people get relief from seasonal depression with light therapy or herbal supplements like St. John's Wort.

    When to See Your Doctor

    • If you are feeling depressed due to lack of sunlight, it is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor before symptoms become severe.

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