Tech To Zap Your Winter Blues Away

In the United States, one in five adults is diagnosed with seasonal depression. Sometimes colloquially known as the inter blue or cabin fever, we can all relate to the experience on some level. But for winter blues that you just can’t kick, Seasonal Affective Disorder may be to blame. While the exact cause of SAD are still unknown, ongoing research reveals it may have something to do with how environmental light affects us

 

In addition to being an important source for vitamin D, aptly referred to as the sunshine vitamins, sunlight reacts with our body and brain in a multitude of other ways. Receptor cells in our eyes known as ipRGCs respond to natural light without producing image-forming effects, and instead helping to regulate circadian rhythms and pupil reflexes. Lack of sunshine due to winter cloudiness and diminished daylight hours may cause ipRGCs to become disrupted or even interrupted and throw our circadian rhythms way off. Spending time outdoors may be the easiest solution to soak in some valuable rays, but when the temperature dips low and clouds roll in, it could do more harm than good. One in three American workers say that winter has a negative effect on their mood at work and one in four say that January is their least happy month.

 

Light therapy can seamlessly imitate sunshine along a daily cycle - cool light in the morning and warm light in the evening. Being exposed to blue light suppresses the natural production of melatonin in our body, making it ideal for morning conditions to help us wake up and start our day. However, too much blue light especially as bedtime comes closer, can leave us restless and unable to relax enough to fall asleep. As the progression of daylight hours wind down, environments of warm light mimicking a sunset help us wind down. Smart bulbs like Philips Hue can be programmed to shift from cool to warm light just as natural sunlight would. At home or the office, this light therapy gives our body a chance to restore circadian rhythms no matter the conditions outside.

 

Make your own light this winter season - SAD tech is here to help. This infographic details the effects and treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder, what we can do to manage symptoms and get our energy back even on the coldest, darkest days.