In this weeks video health tip, Dr. Matthew Davis, director of Crossroads Chiropractic, takes a look at ways to manage the symptoms associated with
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that some people experience in late fall or early winter when there is less sunlight as the days get shorter.
The farther you are from the equator, the more likely you are to have SAD and women seem to be affected at a rate of 4 to 1 over men.
It is believed that less daylight hours raises melatonin levels while lowering serotonin levels. These hormones and neurotransmitters play an important role in regulating your mood as well as your sleep patterns.
Some of the SAD symptoms include:
*feeling tired and sluggish
*low spirits for much of the day
*hard to sleep
*loss of concentration
*lack of enjoyment
*weight gain from overeating.
Here are some ways to manage SAD symptoms:
Light Therapy: Using special lamps that help to replace the sun that you miss during the winter months, providing approximately 20 times more light than regular indoor lighting.
Vitamin D: It’s unsure whether taking vitamin D actually helps with SAD, but what is often found is that most people will have lower levels of vitamin D in the winter months.
Exercise: Regular exercises can really lift your mood and outdoor exercise in the sunshine has even more benefit.
Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet of veggies, whole grains, and fruits, and avoid sugar and "simple carbs" like white bread.
Sleep: Keep your sleep on a regular schedule to keep your mood even and to maximize your time in daylight.
A healthy lifestyle is the best medicine for a happy and healthy life!
Remember you and your family can be as healthy as can be, and it’s never too soon to start receiving chiropractic care. Your best source for everything health is your chiropractor. It’s never too early or late to see the team at Crossroads Chiropractic. Visit Sharpsburg Chiropractor, Crossroads Chiropractic regularly and make sure your nervous system is functioning 100%.
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