WATCH OUT FOR
THE SADS!
Seasonal
Affective
Disorder
and
You
Submitted by
Brian White
Southern New
Hampshire University
SYMPTOMS OF SADS
Most
susceptible from November
to March or April
Symptoms can be mild or severe
Sleep issues:
Oversleeping
Sleeping pattern interrupted (going
to bed later than normal, sleepy all
day, can’t sleep at night)

SYMPTOMS OF SADS
 Weight
gain
 Feeling depressed with no apparent
reason
 Feeling sluggish, no motivation
 Wanting to just lay around all day
 Poor concentration
 Feeling disorganized and
overwhelmed
NON-MEDICAL WAYS TO FIGHT
SADS
Light
therapy
Person must sit in front of a light
box (2,500-10,000 Lux) for at least
30 minutes three times a week.
Using the light box sporadically will
not be effective.

MORE WAYS TO FIGHT SADS
Foods:
Tryptophan: Increasing your intake of
tryptophan will help regulate sleep
(cashew nuts, turkey, apples, basmati
rice, grapes, apricots and oranges)
Stay away from fatty and sugary foods
especially before bed
Protein

MORE WAYS TO FIGHT SADS
Vitamins:
Multivitamins
Omega 3
Vitamin B6

MORE WAYS TO FIGHT SADS
Get
outside!
Even though it’s cold the sun is still
out…enough…where you can get the
sun exposure that you need.
Aerobic activity also releases much
need endorphins and other
chemicals that help regulate your
body.
Fresh oxygen can make a difference.
Open a window every once in a
while.
