Season Affective Disorder, SAD, often causes feelings of depression in people when their body’s natural rhythms are disturbed by winter’s shorter days, according to an article, Feb. 15 in the Metrowest Daily News.

The article suggests that light therapy can help people suffering from SAD. Light therapy lamps simulate natural light, and sitting next to a natural light box or lamp for a certain period each day can help restore natural circadian rhythms.

Jennifer Branham, a therapist in the Behavioral Health Services department at McDonough District Hospital, who was quoted in the article, said that a doctor can prescribe the need for a light box or lamp to treat SAD and then it may be covered by health insurance, which would significantly reduce the cost of these expensive items.

In the article, Branham also suggests that in order to prevent SAD people should open blinds and curtains in their houses to let in more natural light, as well as engagie in outdoor activities.

Symptoms of SAD include feelings of depression, hopelessness, changes in eating patterns and losing interest in activities.

According to the article, people who live furthest from the equator and receive the least amount of sunlight are most likely to develop SAD. Women are more likely than men to develop SAD, possibly because women have lower serotonin levels than men.