It’s A Long And Winding Road

The pineal gland lies at the center of the brain, between the two hemispheres. Scientists haven’t yet figured out exactly how it works or it’s complete role. They do know that it produces melatonin, “the sleep hormone.” This gland makes more melatonin when surroundings are dark and less when they are light. As we grow older, most often, the pineal gland produces less and less melatonin. This is why we don’t sleep as well as we age.

It is also theorized that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression, may be tied in with the pineal gland as there is a direct connection between the eyes and this gland. It seems that light only reaches the pineal gland when it is bright enough. In the northern countries, where light is often diffused by cloud cover, SAD is most prevalent. It is theorized that melatonin levels are either too high or irregular in those with this disorder.

Symptoms of SAD may include:

Depression
Lethargy
Cravings (most often for carbohydrates)
Excessive Sleep
Anxiety
Muscle Aches
Back Aches
Headaches

Interestingly, SAD is most often found in women, ages 20s to 40s. Which leads to an additional theory that this condition may be related to a woman’s menstrual cycle in some way. It also seems to run in families and you may find more than one person afflicted with SAD or some other depression illness. Western medicine most often treats this disorder with antidepressants.

Alternative Treatments

The most natural cure for this disorder would seem to be “sunshine.” However, not all of us can pick up and head to a tropical island in mid-winter. However, this does make you think about our need, as human beings, for more than just food, water and air. Apparently the sun plays a much more important role in our well being as perhaps other things here on earth do that we are still unaware of.

Certainly, if days in which the sun is visible during winter months, it would be beneficial for all of us to get outdoors and soak it up (well, in 20 minute intervals). The next best thing would be to install special lamps that emit 10,000 lux white light. Sit near it in the morning for about an hour per day.

St. John’s Wort is an herb that has been found to be effective in elevating depression. A study in which SAD patients were treated with this herb every day found their symptoms greatly improved.

Vitamin D is another well known help for those suffering from with SAD. Exercise, although an afflicted person may not feel like it, is a good serotonin level booster and can help with depressive symptoms.

Resources

The Seasonal Affective Disorder Association

Mayo Clinic on SAD

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