Sunlight Controls Brain Chemistry

Just when you think you've lost your spark, spring comes and everything changes. That's not coincidence. That's your brain chemistry reacting to the seasons. Those darker months affect your brain chemistry, your hormones and your overall energy. As the days darken, your body produces more melatonin, the hormone that makes you sleepy, and less serotonin, the neurotransmitter that keeps you calm, happy and focused. That's why people with SAD often feel sluggish that oversleep. They crave carbs. Add in the drop in vitamin D3, which your skin makes from sunlight, and serotonin activity drops even further. Reduced sunlight throws off your body's circadian rhythm, your internal 24 hour clock that controls sleep, hormones and temperature as well as your energy production. And when that rhythm breaks down, so does your mood. Bright light therapy can be just as effective as antidepressants. For people. The treatment is simple. Sit in front of a 10,000 lux light box for about 30 minutes each morning. That light helps reset your body clock and and it boosts serotonin naturally. Now, medication can still play a vital role for some and you should always consult your physician. But what's exciting is that science is showing us holistic lifestyle approaches that can complement or even prevent seasonal affective disorder and seasonal mood changes.