Beating the Winter Blues: Light Therapy in the Spotlight

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that primarily occurs in autumn and winter, when exposure to natural light decreases. This lack of light disrupts the internal biological clock, or circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep and hormone production, including serotonin and melatonin. A decrease in serotonin is linked to depressive states, while an excess of melatonin, exacerbated by the lack of light, can lead to excessive sleepiness. These imbalances result in typical SAD symptoms, such as low mood, persistent fatigue, increased need for sleep, cravings for carbohydrates, and weight gain—symptoms that significantly affect the quality of life and daily activities of those affected.