ESPTomorrow, November 1, Daylight Saving Time ends. While many people welcome the extra hour of sleep, others may find the earlier sunsets a little less appealing.
If you've ever felt less energetic, less motivated or simply a little down as the days grow shorter, you're not alone.
Sunlight plays an important role in regulating our internal clock, sleep patterns and mood. As daylight hours decrease during the fall and winter, some people experience changes in their emotional well-being.
For many, these feelings are mild and temporary. But for others, seasonal changes can contribute to a more serious form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
Occasionally feeling tired or less enthusiastic about shorter days doesn't necessarily mean you have depression.
Seasonal affective disorder involves a recurring pattern of depressive symptoms that typically lasts several months. Symptoms may include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, low energy, sleeping more than usual, changes in appetite and withdrawing from friends or family.
Fortunately, there are ways to support your emotional health as the seasons change.
• Make daylight part of your routine. Spend time outdoors when possible even if it's just a short walk during the day.
• Stay physically active. Regular exercise can help support mood, reduce stress and improve sleep.
• Keep your social connections strong. Make plans with friends, visit family or participate in activities that bring you together with others.
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Consistent bedtimes and wake-up times can help support your body's natural rhythms.
• Make time for enjoyable activities. Reading, gardening, cooking, listening to music or pursuing a hobby can provide something positive to look forward to.
If feelings of sadness, fatigue or loss of interest persist for two weeks or more, become severe or begin interfering with everyday life, talk with a healthcare professional.
