Final answer:
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs during the darker months of the year, with symptoms like increased appetite and sleepiness. Melatonin, a hormone that aids in the circadian rhythm, may play a role in SAD due to its production being influenced by light exposure. Light therapy is a common non-drug treatment for SAD.
Step-by-step explanation:
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight. It is characterized by symptoms such as increased appetite, heightened sleepiness, sluggishness, difficulty concentrating, and a general lack of energy. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s daily life, affecting their mood and behavior.
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the circadian rhythm, which is our internal clock that cues the body to feel awake or sleepy at certain times during a 24-hour period. In SAD, the prolonged darkness of winter months can disrupt the normal production of melatonin, contributing to the symptoms of the disorder.
A common non-drug therapy for SAD is light therapy or phototherapy. Light therapy involves exposure to bright light that mimics natural outdoor light, which can help to adjust the circadian rhythm and improve mood in SAD sufferers. People are typically advised to sit in front of a specialized light box for a prescribed amount of time each day, often in the morning.
Additionally, Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to SAD, and supplements may be beneficial, particularly for individuals with darker skin pigmentation, who are more prone to this deficiency during the darker months.