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RE: The northern SADness

in #psychology7 years ago

I live in North Scotland and here days are just over 6 hours in December. Generally, I love dark long nights. They can feel so timeless. I am very productive in winter. Its easier to focus on mental activities during winter for me. In summer I just want to be outside all the time! :D

That said, I definitely drink more in winter than in summer and I do find it hard to fall asleep and wake up.

I got myself an alarm clock lamp that has a setting for falling asleep and waking up. It slowly dims over 30 minutes to imitate sunset. It does the opposite in the morning. It really helps me. I love it. It plays nature sounds which is very relaxing. It looks quite similar to the one in the picture but it's not anywhere bright enough for light therapy.

I wonder, do you supplement vitamin D? It supposed to be good for SAD. Apparently wild mushrooms contain lots of vitamin D. I make sure to dry some in the summer and add to my food over winter. :)

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Well as crazy as it is, North Scotland is still somewhat south to us.. of course due to the ocean it isn't warm in there, but at least you have a bit more light than we do :) Six hours is far too little to keep your body working properly. The darkness can give you power in it's own way, but I'd still be happy to have at least 10 hours of daylight before the darkness strikes!

There are also these wake up lights you talked about. Haven't got one yet, but I've heard they are usually really handy. It's just a shame we wake up so different times with my wife, so I couldn't really use one without upsetting her. (or moving to another room)

I'm taking vitamin D, I've lack of vitamin D can cause depression (or depression symptoms) but that it wouldn't help specifically against SAD. But I assume it's always a bit of an mystery, but so far the vitamin D has not helped me at all :) But I'm glad you can enjoy your mushrooms!