SAD during the Holidays? Published Oct. 30, 2008 By Senior Airman Shannon Greenberg Family Advocacy TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Many of us are excited about shopping for our loved ones, the smell of warm cookies straight from the oven or the view of a beautiful landscape blanketed in white, but what about the other feelings we seem to have as the winter holidays approach? Like many people, you may notice you get a little cabin fever during the fall and winter months. You may find that you eat more or sleep more because the temperature has dropped and darkness comes earlier. These are common reactions to the changing seasons. However, people with Seasonal Affective Disorder experience a more serious reaction from the changing seasons and may not adapt as well. How can you tell if it is fleeting depression or if it might hang around for the duration of winter? Here are some symptoms you can look for: Sleep problems: oversleeping and not feeling refreshed; difficulty getting out of bed, needing a long nap in the afternoon Overeating: unfulfilled appetite, cravings leading to weight gain Mood changes: depression, despair, guilt, anxiety, normal tasks become frustratingly difficult or unbearable Family/social problems: avoiding company, wanting to be alone, irritability, loss of libido, loss of interest in social gatherings Lethargy: lack of motivation, too tired to cope, everything is an effort If you are experiencing one of the above symptoms, you may want to speak to a health care provider about it. If you are feeling overwhelmed by more than one or several of these symptoms, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. You may be feeling this way due to the lack of bright light during the winter. Researchers have proven that bright light can make a difference in the way the brain functions and can impact your overall mood. Mood is stimulated by the amount of light that enters the eyes. As night falls, our bodies begin to produce melatonin, which tells us it is night and time to sleep. When our bodies think it is night more often, we may experience a change in mood. Light is also linked to the production of serotonin. Less sunlight means lower serotonin levels, which can lead to depression. Evidence has shown that serotonin levels increase with exposure to bright light. So have a seat outside while you read or take a walk to ensure you get your daily dose of the sun. Studies have shown that SAD is most commonly diagnosed in women, but men can have more severe and undocumented symptoms. It is uncommon for anyone under the age of 20 to experience SAD; however, young adults can show the effects of reduced sunlight through behavioral problems. Still not convinced this is the explanation for those holiday blues? Well, it is a diagnosable condition and your doctor can help you understand what treatment is right for you. If you have felt under the weather for a few days now, it may be a good idea to talk to your health care provider about it. If you notice that your sleep patterns or appetite have changed and certainly if you feel hopeless, think about suicide, or find yourself turning to alcohol for relief or relaxation, it is important to contact your health care provider immediately.