Hey, Don't Be So SAD

Seasonal affective disorder affects millions of people. Here’s how you can prep your body and mind for darker days

- CARINE HARB

IN THE U.S., DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDED on November 5, marking the transition to shorter days and earlier sunsets. The shift, while giving an extra hour of morning light, can create seasonal challenges such as lethargy, low mood, and fluctuations in appetite, all of which are often more pronounced in winter months.

For individuals with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to reduced seasonal light, these effects can be particularly severe.

SAD impacts around 5 percent of adults in the United States, and its symptoms typically emerge in the fall or winter and can last until spring, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Symptoms may include persistent low energy, changes in sleep and appetite, feelings of hopelessness, and social withdrawal.

The abrupt end of daylight saving time can also disrupt established daily routines, making it harder for people to adjust. Studies have shown that the time change can impact sleep cycles, productivity and even increase the risk of mood disorders.

To help manage these effects, Newsweek reached out to therapists and dietitians for expert advice on how to best prepare your body and mind for the end of daylight saving time.

Mark Reinecke, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus, Northwestern University

If you're starting to feel down, sad, or depressed as the seasons change, let's acknowledge it. Labeling your feelings is a first step. Ask yourself, is this tied to an event of loss in my life, or simply coming with a change of seasons? If it's due to a seasonal change, remember this is normal and predictable. SAD is a variant of major depression closely linked to the amount and duration of sunlight. Its onset and endpoint depend on how far north you live.