Why do we get the winter blues?

Researchers have proven that when bright light enters our eyes it causes chemical reactions to occur which control our daily rhythms and moods. In winter the reduction in light has an adverse affect on both the body and mind.

How does light therapy work?
There are different theories. The most generally accepted theory is that the amount of light you take in through your eyes under different conditions plays an important part in regulating the body clock function, decreases and regulates the creation of melatonin and increases serotonin.

Light TherapyWhat is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone that is produced as it gets dark, making us feel sleepy. In the summer at dawn, as the light increases, melatonin production falls and we start to wake up. However, in winter we find it difficult to wake up on dark mornings because our melatonin levels are still high. Similarly, you may work inside (where light intensity is low) and commute home in darkness, often the body may continue to produce melatonin throughout the day, when it shouldn't be.

Melatonin is important in regulating what are known as circadian rhythms. Too much or too little melatonin at incorrect times during the day can throw your circadian rhythms off.

What are circadian rhythms?
Circadian rhythms is just a medical word for the body's internal clock, it affects eating, sleeping, alertness, body temperature and many other bodily cycles.

What is Serotonin?
New research has shown that exposure to bright light also increases the production of serotonin, a feel good hormone, which acts as a neurotransmitter carrying signals between the nerves in the brain. Serotonin is known to modulate mood, emotion, sleep and appetite.