Winter is around the corner and while California does not have the bitter cold winters that the Northern states experience, it is still a change of season. While going through various seasons adds variety to life, there area few downsides too. One that is frequently overlooked or ignored is seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In the past, this was thought to be just a slight mood swing brought on by the change of season and was referred to as “winter blues.” Healthcare professionals today know that it is more than that – it is a medical condition that needs to be treated because allowing it to continue unchecked can have a negative impact on your quality of life. A specialist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital says “SAD is not a minor condition, but because people typically experience it only during certain months, they don't see it as a serious issue. However, it is imperative to treat.”

What Is SAD?

SAD is a form of depression that starts with a change in season – usually the onset of winter. It affects about 5% of the U.S. population and while all age groups are vulnerable, it is more common among those aged between 18 to 30. The common symptoms include:

• Losing interest in previously enjoyable activities
• Insomnia
• Changes in appetite patterns
• Weight fluctuations
• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Feelings of irritation and/or agitation
• Difficulty in concentrating and focusing

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Also Read: 6 Reasons Why Your Home Should Have a Tubular Skylight

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According to the Harvard Medical School, it is caused by a lack of exposure to sunlight. Natural daylight stimulates the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls the circadian rhythm – the system that regulates the sleeping and waking cycle. When this is disturbed, SAD may set in. SAD can affect a person’s life in a variety of ways and the effects can be cumulative. Thinking that it is a passing problem and trying to tough it out is a mistake. This is a condition that needs to be treated. Luckily the treatment is simple.

SAD Treatment

If you feel you suffer from SAD, it is best to consult a medical professional. That said, a key part of overcoming SAD is increasing exposure to sunlight. That is not always easy. Modern lifestyle pressure often prevents us from spending enough time outside. The solution is simple – increase the amount of sunlight available indoors. This may sound difficult – adding windows to a room may not be structurally viable or may affect the aesthetic appeal of the interior and exterior of the home or office. The easy and cost-effective way to bring more sunlight indoors is by installing a tubular skylight. They are easy to install, highly efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Click here to find out what they are and why their popularity is growing.

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Also Read: Dark Houses Are Depressing

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Tubular Skylights at Your Doorstep

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, all that you need to do to learn more about tubular skylights and get a free consultation that will help you find the right model for your home is contact Sunlight Concepts – the premier dealer for Solatube. Solatube is the world leader in tubular skylight technology and is known for its uncompromising quality. Call (408) 317-0118 or visit the company website to get started on protecting your family from SAD while at the same time beautifying your home and reducing your electricity consumption. The various add-ons such as dimmers, integrated night lights and ventilation systems for homes make tubular skylights an even more attractive proposition.

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