Gloomy Days

Gloomy Days

With Connecticut being located in the North East, our winters can get cold, short, dark, and often gloomy which can cause seasonal depression, or “The winter blues.” It is statistically proven that humans’ serotonin levels decline during winter. The reduced level of sunlight during the short days causes a disruption in the body’s internal clock. Your body’s internal clock is conditioned to produce melatonin in the brain when it’s dark outside, a chemical which aids in falling asleep. With shortened days, it interrupts the body’s natural rhythm. Vitamin D is a vitamin produced by sunlight, It regulates mood and reduces the risk of depression. Vitamin D does this by producing more of the hormone serotonin, which makes you feel more focused, emotionally stable, happier and calmer. Most people are outside more during the summer, and less during the winter, causing a reduction in the vitamin D intake. A lack of vitamin D can lead to fatigue, and feelings of depression and sadness. 

On the extreme end, the cold weather can even bring on SAD (seasonal affective disorder.) However, for most people, they just feel the “winter blues.” To help with these symptoms remain active, get outside, eat healthily, and surround yourself with things/ people that make you happy. There are even lamps that mimic sunlight, which can help produce the same positive effects of Vitamin D. There are also Vitamin D supplements. Remember, the gloomy days only last so long; sunshine will come!