SAD 1 of 4 Light
Light
It’s that time of year again when my brain craves light and those days when the sun forgets to rise are a real problem for me. I have always had an issue with the darker months which is now widely recognised as Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD.
Our Circadian Rhythm is set by a pacemaker within the brain; it imposes patterns of variation on hormones which affects our mood and health. SAD sufferers appear to secrete more of the hormone Melatonin, which is regulated within our bodies through exposure to the blue spectrum in sunlight. This exposure slows down melatonin production because excess within the body can result in tiredness, lowering of mood, increase in appetite and suppression of the immune system.
It’s a good idea as frequently as possible to get outside into the daylight, even though it may be scarce in the middle of winter. Many people gain benefit from the use of a light box which delivers enough light for your daily requirements. Some find it beneficial to greet the day with an alarm that slowly exposes them to increasingly brighter blue light which eventually causes them to wake up naturally.
8 in the Universe offer an array of fresh ideas and practical solutions to improve your people’s health and wellbeing, why not take a look at what we do.
Header Image – I’m Beginning to see the Light by Marian Connor
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