Winter Blues Or Seasonal Affective Disorder? Sleep Doc Explains …
Q&A with Organizational Pro Peter Walsh + Dermatologist Shares A…
Actor Hank Azaria + Freezer Meals + Artichokes 2 Ways with Rach
See Inside Barbara Corcoran's Stunning NY Apartment + It's Steak…
How to Make Chicken and Lobster Piccata | Richard Blais
Donnie Wahlberg Spills Details About NKOTB's First Ever Conventi…
The Best Moments From 17 Seasons of the Show Will Make You Laugh…
Donnie Wahlberg + Jenny McCarthy Say Rach Is Such a "Joy" + Look…
How to Make Crabby Carbonara | Rachael Ray
Rach Chats "Firsts" In Flashback From Our First Episode Ever In …
Rach's Chef Pals Say Goodbye to Show in Surprise Video Message
How to Make Apple-Cider Braised Pork Chop Sandwiches with Onion …
How to Make Sesame Cookies | Buddy Valastro
How to Make Tortilla with Potatoes, Piquillo Peppers and Mancheg…
How to Make Shrimp Burgers | Jacques Pepin
How to Make Spanakopipasta | Rachael Ray
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Andrew McCarthy Chokes Up Discussing Emotional Trip to Spain wit…
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Andrew McCarthy Teases Upcoming "Brat Pack" Reunion Special
Michelle Obama Toasts Rach's 17 Years on the Air With a Heartfel…
Each product has been independently selected by our editorial team. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.
Many of us are experiencing an increase in the winter blues as it gets colder, but for some, it might be something more. "As that coldness comes in, people start to feel almost a gloominess — a lack of energy, a mood shift if you will," Dr. Michael Breus, aka "The Sleep Doctor" explains. "That can then over the course of time lead to something called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D."
Seasonal Affective Disorder, a subtype of depression, has some very specific symptoms, according to the sleep doc. These include sadness, lack of energy and overeating. "But the biggest difference between the winter blues and S.A.D. symptoms is the loss of interest in pleasurable activities. Things that used to make you laugh, things that you used to enjoy, they're not as fun anymore," he says. "Then, unfortunately, sleep becomes an issue as well."
Rachael Ray Show
"We know that our sleep gets dramatically affected by both depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder as well as the winter blues."
"Something that we've talked about before — that I wanted to introduce as a new way of doing something — it's called light therapy," Dr. Breus says. "You can have a light box when you wake up in the morning if the sun isn't out because you wake up early."
RELATED: Can Amber Light Bulbs Help With Sleep Problems?
"What's interesting is they now make glasses that you can put on with light therapy built in," Dr. Breus says.
"But remember, these are used for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder. For people who have just the winter blues, they can do a few other things before they get to a product like this," the sleep doc adds. "One of the biggies is consuming Vitamin D."
If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of S.A.D. or depression, always consult your doctor or psychiatrist before seeking treatment.