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Question:
I suffer from seasonal affective disorder. Do you have any suggestions?
Answer:
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is associated with winter depression and summer hypomania. Typically, these individuals feel depressed, slow down, and generally oversleep, overeat, and crave carbohydrates in the winter. In the summer, these same patients feel elated, active, and energetic.
Although many variables may be responsible for SAD, lack of exposure to full-spectrum natural light appears the most logical explanation as it triggers a reduced secretion of melatonin from the pineal gland and an increased secretion of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Melatonin supplementation may improve SAD because it not only increases brain melatonin levels, but also because it may suppress cortisol secretion. A dosage of 3 mg 45 minutes before bedtime seems appropriate. In addition, I would recommend full-spectrum lighting and St. John's wort extract (0.3% hypericin) at a dosage of 300 mg three times daily. Both have been shown to improve SAD.
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