As September draws to an end, those of us who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may be starting to notice our mood dip.
The common condition affects up to two million people in the UK, Nuffield Health says, and may be caused by a lack of sunlight.
It can feel a lot like depression, affecting sufferers’ mood, desire to socialise, appetite, sleep and self-esteem.
It can even change your libido and interest in hobbies.
While the condition looks a lot like depression, though, it has some distinct qualities, healthcare provider The Mayo Clinic says.
The biggest one of these, of course, is that SAD is seasonal. But another sign shows up in your sleep.
How does Seasonal Affective Disorder affect sleep differently to depression?
While disturbed sleep is a common sign of both depression and SAD, depression makes “it difficult to fall asleep at night” and can lead to “waking up very early in the morning.”
This can happen with SAD too, but the seasonal kind tends to cause oversleeping and struggling to get up in the morning rather than making you get up at 3am.
Mayo Clinic says oversleeping is “specific to winter-onset SAD”, while the NHS shared that SAD can lead to “sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning.”
You can oversleep while depressed, but sleep disturbances almost always take the form of sleeping more and struggling to get up in SAD cases, they say.
Is there anything else we should know?
Mayo Clinic adds that while depression and SAD can both affect your appetite, SAD tends to lead to a “craving for foods high in carbohydrates.”
Both the NHS and the Mayo Clinic agree that SAD tends to make you gain weight, while depression can cause either weight gain or loss.
“You should consider seeing the GP if you think you might have SAD and you’re struggling to cope,” the NHS says.
Your doctor might be able to help you develop a plan using sunlight, exercise, light therapy, counselling or medications.
Similarly, speak to your GP if you suspect you have depression.
“Many people wait a long time before seeking help for depression, but it’s best not to delay,” the NHS advises.
“The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can be on the way to recovery.”
Help and support:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
- CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.