7 Signs You Might Have SAD

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) hits 20% of Americans a year. Shorter days and longer nights lead to lower levels of energy and depression rates soar as people get the winter blues. Here are some clues to see if you're suffering from a case of the winter blues.

1. Depression – A typical case of depression occurs if you're suffering from sadness and hopelessness. SAD sufferers only experience these symptoms in the fall and winter.

2. Sleepiness and Fatigue – A symptom of SAD is if you're finding that you need a lot more sleep in the winter months. SAD sufferers sleep nearly 10 hours a night in the winter as opposed to 7.5 hours in the summer.

3. Irritability – 40% of people with SAD experienced increased fits of anger. In fact, SAD patients experienced on average 19 “anger attacks” a month in the winter.

4. Bigger Appetite – 65% of people with SAD reported a more voracious appetite during the winter months. 75% of SAD sufferers experienced weight gain in the winter.

5. Craving Carbs? - 7o% of people with SAD generally eat more carbs. Carbohydrates can increase tryptophan levels which results in increased serotonin, the feel good hormone.

6. Trouble with Concentration – Having trouble remembering appointments and names in the winter? Looks like people with SAD have a tougher time with concentration during the darker months.

7. Sex? No thanks – A loss of interest in sex is quite common if you have SAD. Now, that can be quite sad.

As an occasional SAD sufferer (I said yes to everything except for 3 and 7), I take healthy doses of 5-HTP, magensium and use really bright lights to help ward off the blues. Look for full spectrum SAD lights that work wonders and really do the trick.