Tanning is not just about color. Its mood changing! During the cold winter months, its very easy to curl up on the couch with a warm blanket and tear open an oversized bag of potato chips. Why do some people get depressed, lethargic and even sad during winter? There is actually a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which occurs with the shortening days of winter when people are exposed to less UV light. SAD is recognized in the DSM-IV (The American Psychiatric Associations diagnostic manual) as a subtype of major depressive episode. This may explain symptoms like cravings for sweets, lack of energy and overall bouts of the blues. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): About 70-80% of those with SAD are women Common age of onset is in the 30s Occurrence of SAD increases with increasing latitude Degree of light exposure has an effect Milder cases are referred to as Winter Blues Effects of Melatonin and Serotonin A chemical imbalance in two important neurotransmitters in the brain is linked to SAD. These two neurotransmitter chemicals are melatonin and serotonin. Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain that helps regulate other hormones and maintains the bodys circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is an internal 24-hour time keeping system that plays a critical role in determining when we fall asleep and when we wake up. This is why during the cold winter months when days are shorter and the sunlight is scarce, we often feel sleepy or drowsy. indoor tanning hormones Serotonin acts both as a chemical messenger that transmits nerve signals between nerve cells and that causes blood vessels to narrow. Changes in the serotonin levels in the brain can alter the mood.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Nov 2014 13:24:58 +0000
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