Well it could be a lot of different things. Financial, health
or family woes. Or it could be you're just a little S.A.D., that's Seasonal Affective
Disorder. Experts are not sure what causes our S.A.D. ness, but they think it may be
caused by a lack of sunlight. Caused by shorter winter daytime hours. Lack of light may upset your sleep/wake
cycle, and other circadian rhythms. Which then can cause problems with a brain
chemical called serotonin, which affects mood. Our circadian rhythm's,
are 24-hour cycles that are driven by the body's "biological clock."
The "biological clock" is regulated by light, or darkness, that let's the
body know when it's time to sleep, or wake up.
The
24-hour circadian rhythm also controls functions like, body
temperature, hormone release, and the balance of body fluid. The body's
master clock, controls the production of melatonin, a hormone that makes
you sleepy. When there is less light, like at night, or during the
change of season from summer to winter the brain makes more melatonin so
you get drowsy. So you start yawning at 6:00 thinking it's much later.
Jet lag is when travelers suffer from disrupted
circadian rhythms. When you pass through different time zones, your
body's clock will be different from your wristwatch, making you feel
groggy and disoriented. Your body's clock will eventually reset
itself, but this often takes a few days. Allison T. Siebern, PhD, from the
Stanford University Sleep Medicine Center commented "When you cross time zones,
it disrupts your internal clock, so you and the external time are
desynchronized. Your body needs to get on the new rhythm.
Some of the SAD symptoms are:
- Feeling sad, grumpy, moody, or anxious.
- Lose interest in your usual activities.
- Eat more and crave carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta.
- Weight Gain
- Sleep more and still feel drowsy during the daytime.
- Lack of energy
- Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
- Social withdrawal
Doctors often prescribe
light therapy to treat S.A.D., usually for people who live in areas
where winter days are very short, rainy, or snowy, or there are big
changes in the amount
of daylight in different seasons. Like the pacific northwest or England. Around here in California recommended
therapy for shortened daylight includes regular exercise, a healthy, moderate to low
carbohydrate diet with minimal simple sugar, caffeine and alcohol
consumption. Which we all know can and usually does change around the
holidays. Also there is a lot of positive responses to in-home negative
ionized-air generators, and supplementation of vitamin D, and melatonin.
According to Web MD, melatonin is naturally secreted in our bodies and
helps regulate our circadian rhythms so that we sleep at night, but the
jury is still out on the effectiveness of the supplement melatonin to
combat jet lag and aid sleep. Some research shows that it can reduce jet
lag on flights both east and west. Take 3 milligrams of melatonin an
hour or two before bedtime at your destination, and plan to sleep for 10
hours. Melatonin appears to be safe if taken short term, but its
long-term effects are not known. If you want to try melatonin, check
with your doctor first. 
Try
starting your day with exercise during this time of year instead of
ending your day with exercise. Being active during the daytime,
especially first thing in the morning, may help you have more energy
and feel less depressed. Take a walk, go for a bike ride, or have a
swim in the morning before breakfast is a good way to get started.
Don't forget though S.A.D. is a mild form of depression for most of us,
but
it could be more of an issue for some. If it is for you, it may be
better to seek the advise of a doctor who may prescribe
anti-depressant medications in some cases. Remember if you want things
to be different in your life you have to change the way you do things.
Learn to manage your stress better by taking up some hobbies. Nutrition
isn't a big secret any more try to eat a more well balanced diet. If you
smoke QUIT! If you have a substance abuse problem seek help. Manage
your time better and find time to relax with someone or something you enjoy, other
than sleep. 
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