It's that time of year again?shorter days and grayer skies. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of seasonal depression, usually occurring in the winter, which affects millions of people a year between September and April with the peak occurring in the winter months of December, January, and February. True SAD is a seriously disabling illness, preventing people from functioning normally. (Combine this with caregiver stress and holiday stress, and the results can be disastrous).

Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The symptoms of SAD occur cyclically with a return of symptoms each year during the winter months. These symptoms tend to be the atypical symptoms of depression, including:

increased sleep

increased appetite and carbohydrate cravings

weight gain

irritability

interpersonal difficulties (especially rejection sensitivity)

heavy feeling in the arms or legs.

Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder

SAD is believed to be caused by a disturbance in the normal circadian rhythm of the body. Light entering through the eyes influences this rhythm. When it is dark, the pineal gland produces a substance called melatonin which is responsible for the drowsiness we feel each day after dusk. Light entering the eyes at dawn shuts off the production of melatonin. During the shorter days of winter, when people may rise before dawn or not leave their offices until after sunset, these normal rhythms may become disrupted, producing the symptoms of SAD.

If you or your loved one experiences the above symptoms, see your doctor.

Today's quote:

"For him who has perception, a mere sign is enough. For him who does not really heed, a thousand explanations are not enough." ? Idries Shah.

This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, a Certiified Senior Advisor and the creator of MeAndMyCaregiver(s), a service designed to help both the care-receiver and the caregiver. It is a lot more than just a personal health record stored online. It is a personal life record and life management system. Learn more at http://www.meandmycaregivers.com