Daylight offers relief to some depression patients
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — It’s an early Valentine’s Day gift to sun lovers in the Northern Hemisphere as the sun rises earlier and sets later and daylight hours increasing rapidly in February.
For those with depression, the additional daylight hours can offer relief from symptoms.
Dr. Hassan Jafary of Beckley Psychiatric Services said a number of southern West Virginians suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), starting in October and lasting through the winter months.
While the exact cause unknown, Dr. Jafary said lack of sunlight leads to a decrease in the brain chemical serotonin which plays a critical role in mood, sleep, and digestion.
One solution is to take Vitamin D pills and to invest in “daylight” bulbs to place in the home.
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Dr. Jafary recommends people, especially the elderly who are not able to get outside during the winter months, sit beside of large windows which allow sunlight.
“Eat lunch at the window. The most important time is [between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.],” said Dr. Jafary. “Or, just go out. Don’t change your routine. Wake up at the same time. Sleep at the same time. Cut down on caffeine, alcohol.”
Dr. Jafary added that also cutting sugar intake and engaging in communities and other social activities is also helpful during the winter months.
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He advised purchasing a daylight lamp and to sit in front of it for at least 30 minutes daily.
Dr. Jafary said that those with pre-existing mental health conditions may be more susceptible to SAD, but SAD also affects those who have no underlying mental illness.
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