Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Tanning

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), also commonly called the Winter Blues or Winter Depression, is a seasonal mood disorder affecting 2 to 10% of Americans. It's believed that SAD is caused by lack of bright light during the winter months, generally between the months of September to April – seasonal depression.

The symptoms of SAD are at their worst during the winter months of December, January, and February. As early spring approaches symptoms tend to recede as the days get brighter and longer. Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms include:

• Anxiety, inability to tolerate stress.
• Depression, normal tasks become frustrating.
• Sleep Problems, oversleeping and feeling of exhaustion.
• Lethargy, constantly tired, no energy.
• Overeating, craving of sugary foods and those high in carbohydrates.
• Social Problems, irritable, avoiding people, mood swings.
• Physical, joint pain, stomach problems, and weight gain.

Seasonal Affective Disorder treatment usually involves putting the patient in front of bright light of 2500 lux or higher. If you're not familiar with the lux measurement, consider domestic office lighting is typically 250 to 500 lux and a bright summer day can reach upwards of 100,000 lux! Light therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder has proven effective in 85% of SAD patients.

Tanning beds should NOT be used to relieve symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. The light emitted from sunbeds when indoor tanning is ultraviolet (UVA & UVB) and can harm the eyes if protective eyewear isn't worn. Instead a high output light therapy box, SAD light visor, or high output Verilux lamp is typically used.