Many look forward to this seasonal change, anticipating cosy evenings, woolly socks and blankets, while a steaming mug of hot chocolate warms the hands. The Scandinavians even have a word for it, they call it, Hygge! 

There is no direct English translation, but it conveys a feeling of contentment, cosiness and wellbeing. 

The sentiment of relaxing into the darker evenings and embracing a time of, well, woolly socks, blankets and hot chocolate!

But for some people the darker evenings signal the start of something not quite so welcome, the beginning of what is often called the ‘winter blues’.  Seasonal Effective Disorder or SAD, is estimated to affect over 25% of the UK population, with more than 2million people experiencing symptoms severe enough to disrupt their day-to-day life.

Symptoms can vary from person to person, but often include:

• Persistent low mood
• Irritability 
• Increased appetite-including cravings for carbohydrate rich foods
• Lack of energy
• Disinterest in activities you usually enjoy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Reduced sex drive

Some people find their mental health seriously affected:

• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of despair and hopelessness 
• Retreating from society

The exact cause of this seasonally linked mood change is still unclear.                            

Many believe a reduction in natural light exposure during autumn and winter, affects our levels of melatonin, serotonin and Vitamin D.                                                                           

Melatonin is a hormone that assists in controlling your sleep-wake cycle.  Serotonin-often called the happy chemical-transports messages between nerve cells, and also acts as a hormone.  Serotonin not only contributes to sleep and mood regulation, but also to digestion, bone health, blood clotting and sexual function. 

Less light results in increased melatonin production, making us lethargic and sleepy, and decreases serotonin production, affecting the regulation of many of the bodies key functions. 

Vitamin D deficiency is thought to exacerbate SAD symptoms because Vitamin D plays a part in serotonin production.  While some Vitamin D is derived from the foods we consume, the body also produces Vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight. 

During darker months, the amount of Vitamin D consumed may not be sufficient.

If you experience the ‘winter blues’, book an appointment at our clinic in Huddersfield or Wakefield and see how acupuncture could help you.

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