S.A.D & Symptoms Have Any Questions? Please Call Us Now on 0870 220 3221, We Are Here To Help. Live Chat Software by ZaZa Please move right down the page for information AND PRODUCTS TO HELP MAKE YOU RECOVER. Main Symptoms of S.A.D Sleep problems: Usually desire to oversleep and difficulty staying awake but, in some cases, disturbed sleep and early morning wakening Lethargy: Feeling of fatigue and inability to carry out normal routine Overeating: Craving for carbohydrates and sweet foods, usually resulting in weight gain Depression: Feelings of misery, guilt and loss of self-esteem, sometimes hopelessness and despair, sometimes apathy and loss of feelings Social problems: Irritability and desire to avoid social contact Anxiety: Tension and inability to tolerate stress Loss of libido Decreased interest in sex and physical contact Mood changes In some sufferers, extremes of mood and short periods of hypomania (overactivity) in spring and autumn. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a depression that afflicts people primarily during the winter months, and is often referred to as seasonal depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder was discovered in the early eighties by the National Institute of Health. The NIH estimates that over 36 million Americans suffer depressive symptoms brought on by the winter months. Seasonal Affective Disorder causes you to feel down, gloomy, and lose energy. You may have difficulty concentrating and feeling alert, withdraw socially and have carbohydrate cravings. Seasonal Affective Disorder sufferers also experience sleep problems. Seasonal Affective Disorder vs. Winter Blues Although often confused with the ‘winter blues,’ Seasonal Affective Disorder and Winter Blues are not the same. Seasonal Affective Disorder is manifested by symptoms of clinical depression, with impaired social interaction and cognitive ability. On the other hand, Winter Blues is milder than SAD and is typified by the lack of energy and feeling sad or down. If you have the winter blues, you can still function. If you have Seasonal Affective Disorder, normal daily functions are difficult to perform. Although Seasonal Affective Disorder and Winter Blues differ in the degree of severity, the treatment is the same for both conditions. What causes Seasonal Affective Disorder? Researchers agree that the lack of sunlight in the fall and winter causes the effects of seasonal depression. Without sunlight, the brain doesn't produce enough serotonin, which results in the symptoms of depression. The darker days also signal the brain to overproduce the hibernation hormone, melatonin. The symptoms diminish as the days get longer, although many Seasonal Affective Disorder sufferers note brief (1-2 week) periods of SAD-like symptoms in the summer. Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment Light Therapy The NIH has demonstrated that specialized bright light (a large field of 10,000 lux intensity) to be the most effective means of reversing the effects of this winter depression. Light therapy produces serotonin in the brain, and researchers believe low serotonin levels contribute to depression. Since this discovery, scientists have successfully used bright light to treat non-seasonal depression as well as other mood disorders with light therapy. Light also suppresses the hibernation hormone melatonin. This is important, because melatonin forces us to pull back, conserve and sleep. Melatonin secretion is necessary during the night, but daytime melatonin can be harmful. By suppressing melatonin during the daytime, our activity cycle is extended, and we actually sleep better at night. Light resets Circadian Rhythms Scientists also believe that Seasonal Affective Disorder is associated with shifted circadian rhythms (i.e. body clock). The body clock regulates our daily activity cycles, and it needs bright light signals to reset itself each day. When it doesn't receive this signal, it can malfunction. This can affect how you sleep and feel during the day. If you have difficulty waking up, or you fall asleep and wake up at the wrong time, you may have a circadian rhythm disorder. Sections In S.A.D & Symptoms S.A.D & Symptoms (Showing: 1 - 4) Code: AH-GOLITE1. Weights less than 2lbs! PRICE DROP - IN STOCK - S.A.D., Depression, Insomnia and CFS are all related to having a Circadian Rhythm Disorder End Ypur Symptoms In a WEEK! £147.99 Now you know about CRD you can correct it in a week. Light therapy products have been selling for many years, The Golite is NEW Technology giving off a more effective Buewave light. Code: ICE-CB Light Bright - LED 10,000 Lux Portable SAD Light. Another Great Light Helping End SAD CFS & PND, CRD & All Symptoms Related to These Illnesses, eg, Anxiety & Depression £79.99 Code: M2 New More Portable NEW M2 Golite - PRICE DROP! S.A.D - Depression, Insomnia and CFS are all related to having a Circadian Rhythm Disorder This Light Will End Your Symptoms in Approx ONE WEEK!. £177.99 IN STOCK SAME DAY DISPATCH on this product only..... The goLITE M2 keeps all of the same features as the goLITE P2 but improves upon it by adding a longer lasting Lithium-ion battery... read more... Code: White SAD Box 10000 LUX Sunshine - In. One of the best white giving lights. 10,000 Lux. Good Price these retail for approx £159.99, Ends SAD, CFS, PND, CRD & All Symptoms Related to These Illnesses, eg, Anxiety & Depression, Insomnia. £99.99 Cannot find the product you are looking for? Please contact us by telephone 0203 303 0543, fax , or email: info@adsshop.co.uk. We can usually source other products and we always welcome suggestions for additional products for our shop.