While the variation in mood that comes along with the seasons has been acknowledged for a long time, it was only in 1984 when Norman E. Rosenthal and his contemporaries at the National Institute for Mental Health officially named the condition Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Since then, it has received more serious attention from the medical community, and has since been widely recognised as a common disorder. SAD tends to affect residents of areas where seasonal shifts bring about huge changes in temperature and sunlight exposure. In temperate Australia, the number of those affected is low, but not zero. According to studies the area with the highest percentage of study participants with SAD is Tasmania, the country’s most Southern state. Those affected can experience extreme and mild versions of the condition, however, it remains unchanged in the ability to affect your daily life. For those looking for a drug-free treatment, infrared saunas have been a rising option. In today’s blog, Sun Stream Saunas AUS will discuss the possible causes behind SAD, and how the advantages of infrared sauna practice can help alleviate its symptoms.
What Causes SAD?
SAD produces similar symptoms to other types of depression – this includes, but is not limited to, sadness, fatigue, anxiety, trouble concentrating, irritation, sleeping problems, and loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities. While researchers aren’t completely sure what the root of it is, several theories suggest the following:
- Vitamin D deficiency: Less sun in the winter often leads to a vitamin D deficiency linked to lower serotonin levels. This results in mood changes, feelings of anxiety or depression, and memory and sleep difficulties.
- Increase in melatonin: Another effect of the lack of sunlight is an overproduction of melatonin, a chemical that affects sleep and mood. This can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm and can induce grogginess during the day.
- Biological Clock Change: The human biological clock is tuned to the daily cycle of day and night. As the seasons shift, some people’s biological clocks might have trouble adjusting.
Who’s at Risk for SAD?
People who live in latitudes far north or far south of the equator, where there’s less sunlight and higher propensity for extreme seasonal changes, are particularly susceptible to developing SAD. In addition to that, those who have a history of mental illness or mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder are also at higher risk.
How Can The Advantages of Infrared Sauna Help Treat SAD?
Infrared saunas emit infrared light, of which is invisible to the human eye, and a few studies have found that this can contribute positively to the treatment of SAD. For instance, one 2019 review noted that infrared light used alongside white light reduced the risk of SAD by 50% in those who received treatment compared to those who didn’t undergo any light treatment. Here are other factors in infrared saunas that play a part in the treatment of SAD.
Chromotherapy
Some infrared saunas like our SunStream home infrared saunas come with high-power LED chromotherapy. This therapy uses colours and lights to create changes in one’s mood. For instance, blue and green are thought to have a calming effect on stressed and anxious people. When it comes to relieving the symptoms of SAD through chromotherapy, colours like yellow and orange can theoretically improve mood and elicit happy memories for those with the condition.
Increased Endorphin and Serotonin Levels
The heat therapy that infrared saunas provide stimulates the release of beta-endorphins, often called the “feel-good hormone,” and serotonin. Their main function is to relieve pain and stress, producing feelings of happiness, calm, and well-being as by-products. These can bolster your mood and help mitigate some of the most common symptoms of SAD.
Improved Relaxation
In addition to aiding the production of feel-good hormones, non-anecdotal research has found that IR treatments help reduce the stress hormone cortisol. The heat of infrared saunas also loosens up the muscles and joints which many associate with a relaxing experience. Together, these effects aid in complete relaxation of mind and body which help mitigate symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety.
Key Takeaway
While the research on the advantages of infrared sauna use for SAD is still limited, the existing studies provide hope for those seeking relief from the seasonal blues. However, for those interested in incorporating the treatment into their wellness routine for the purposes of relieving SAD symptoms, it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals first and foremost. They can provide a tailored treatment plan to suit your individual needs.
If you want to know more about the benefits of infrared saunas, explore our SunStream blog. For more information about our home infrared products, contact us today and we’ll help you find the right one for you.