SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)   Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health!

Sunlight VS Gloom

During the winter season the diminished light affects many people, especially the aging. Lack of sunshine can produce the following effects: (googled “lack of sunshine on aging”) below is the results of my search:

A lack of sunshine can contribute to accelerated aging, primarily by hindering the body’s production of Vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health and can lead to decreased bone density, increasing the risk of fractures, particularly in older individuals; additionally, limited sun exposure can negatively impact mood and circadian rhythms, potentially affecting overall well-being and energy levels.       Key points about the effects of lack of sunshine on aging:

Vitamin D deficiency:

The most significant consequence of limited sun exposure is low Vitamin D levels, which can lead to weakened bones, increased risk of osteoporosis, and potential impacts on muscle function and immune system health.

Mood regulation:

Sunlight plays a role in regulating the body’s circadian rhythm, which can influence mood and sleep patterns; lack of sun exposure may contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms, particularly in individuals living in regions with long winters.

Skin health:

While excessive sun exposure can lead to premature skin aging (photo-aging), moderate sunlight exposure is necessary for healthy skin function; inadequate sun exposure may not directly cause wrinkles, but could contribute to a paler complexion and reduced skin vitality.

Cognitive function:

Some studies suggest a link between Vitamin D levels and cognitive function, with potential implications for memory and cognitive decline in older adults.

Important considerations:

Balanced exposure:

While getting enough sun is important, excessive sun exposure without proper protection can lead to skin damage and increased cancer risk.

Individual factors:

The amount of sunlight needed varies based on factors like skin tone, geographic location, and age.

Consult a healthcare professional:

If you are concerned about your sun exposure, speak to your doctor to determine the appropriate level of sunlight for your individual needs and to discuss potential Vitamin D supplementation options.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.

My Personal Experience

Though I was aware of the downside of lack of sunshine during the winter months. This year was my first experience with the effects of diminished light. Previously, I took the fading winter light in stride. Accepted it as something you had to go through. Unless you go south for the winter, it is something you have to deal with.

I noticed my mood was changing after I had surgery on a wayward toe in October 2024. This kept me housebound and in a walking boot until December 1, 2024. I longed for the sunshine and lighter days. I found myself not wanting to do much but was restless at the same time.

Before the surgery, I gave thought to what activities I could do while limited in my movement.  With limited mobility, going to my workroom in the basement was not happening.  I decided to prepare sewing projects to work on and gather the needed tools to make the items. I set up a sewing machine in my dining room for easy access.

However, with the diminished light the making of the creations became drudgery instead of joy. I was surprised by this feeling because I had not experienced it before. The winter light, though sometimes dreary to me, did not give me pause or feel saddened by it. More likely because I was active, going to work, moving into different light environments to notice. But with my limited mobility, it became noticeable.

I found that getting out of the house lifted my mood, giving me a refreshing lift so I wanted to work on my creations. As the days became filled with more sunlight my mood also became brighter and filled me with energy to again re-engaged doing the activities I enjoyed. I did some digging to find out how I could mitigate the effects for next season.

Below is a list of a few things I can do.

1_Make my surroundings as light as possible.

2_Spend some time outside as much as possible. Scheduling my errands will help me with getting more outdoor time.

3_Exercise a few times a week.

4_Take loving care of yourself by hydrating, adding Vitamin D to your diet, eating nutritious meals and doing something enjoyable each day.

May your path be filled with sunshine,

CK Brashares