Overview
- Seasonal affective disorder is a recurrent, winter-linked depression, affecting about 5% of U.S. adults, according to the American Psychiatric Association.
- Experts advise reducing evening exposure to blue light from phones and LEDs, using device filters and limiting screen time after 6 p.m. to protect sleep and mood.
- Getting outside soon after waking for natural light, staying active, and considering a light box when mornings lack sunlight are recommended first steps.
- Common signs include oversleeping, carb cravings with weight gain, low energy, and difficulty functioning at work, school, or socially.
- Treatment may mirror other depression care, with options like cognitive behavioral therapy or antidepressants, and recent UK reporting notes searches for SAD have risen about 60% in the past month.