Shorter Days, Darker Afternoons Can Worsen Seasonal Affective Disorder
Researchers say darker afternoons can trigger SAD as light therapy, antidepressants and CBT remain standard treatments.
- As clocks reverted to standard time across the U.S. on Sunday, darker afternoons triggered seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, for millions prone to winter depression.
- Scientists are learning how specialized cells in the eyes convert blue light spectrum into neural signals affecting mood and alertness, though researchers note no single cause for SAD has been identified.
- Dr. Paul Desan of Yale University recommends 10,000 lux light therapy for 30 minutes each morning, though some marketed products costing $50 to more than $400 are too dim to be effective.
- Antidepressant medications serve as first-line treatment alongside light therapy, while University of Vermont researcher Kelly Rohan notes cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, provides more durable long-term effects.
- Doctors recommend maintaining a regular sleep schedule and walking outside, even on cloudy days, while planning small enjoyable activities to help break out of hibernation-like behavioral patterns.
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38 Articles
My Mother Lode
Shorter days and dark afternoons can trigger depression. Here’s how to fight back
As winter approaches and daylight hours grow shorter, people prone to seasonal depression can feel it in their bodies and brains. The millions of people estimated to have seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, typically have episodes of depression that begin in the fall and ease in the spring or summer. One trigger for SAD is...
Shorter days and dark afternoons can trigger depression. Here's h
As winter approaches and daylight hours grow shorter , people prone to seasonal depression can feel it in their bodies and brains. The millions of people estimated to have seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, typically have episodes
Associated Press News
Shorter days and dark afternoons can trigger depression. Here's how to fight back
People prone to seasonal depression are bracing themselves as winter approaches. Many have found strategies to get through the dark days.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Can Be Triggered By Shorter Days
Charlie Riedel / AP Photo As winter approaches and daylight hours grow shorter, people prone to seasonal depression can feel it in their bodies and brains. The millions of people estimated to have seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, typically have episodes of depression that begin in the fall and ease in the spring or summer. […]
As the days get shorter, people prone to seasonal depression can feel the effects of less and less daylight both physically and psychologically.
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