Top Ten Products for Seasonal Affective Disorder

 

 

Updated: January 5, 2022

 

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder Products to Cope

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a seasonal depression that afflicts more than 3 million people in the U.S. alone. SAD is characterized by depression, changes in appetite, sleep changes, an inability to concentrate and even weight gain.

Never fear, if you are experiencing the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, there is hope. Firstly, it is temporary. SAD is seasonal disorder that usually lasts about three months, but don't worry, you don't have to wait it out. There are several treatments available for seasonal depression, including:

Verilux Bulbs

  • Light Therapy
  • Physical Exercise
  • Sleep Therapy
  • Dietary Changes
  • Massage
  • Medication

We will discuss the top ten products available at Vitality Medical that will help you combat these symptoms and increase your overall wellness. Light Therapy

Light therapy is one of the most common treatments of SAD, and it's pretty easy to do too. Light therapy is the addition of natural sunlight into your daily routine. The most popular light therapy products are natural light bulbs. Natural light bulbs are an easy way to incorporate natural sunlight into your day.

A close second in the popularity contest of light therapy treatments is the SunLight Bright Therapy Lamp by Carex. Light therapy lamps are designed to sit on a desk or table. Simply sit in front of the lamp for a prescribed length of time. Treatment times can range from 15 minutes to two hours, so be sure to follow the instructions provided by your doctor. Since these lamps are portable, you can easily fit the treatment in your regular workday, while cooking dinner, or any other activity that requires you to sit or stand near a desk or table.

 

Physical Exercise

Yoga Mat

Another treatment for seasonal affective disorder is exercise that leaves you with a sense of wellbeing, such as yoga. Make this exercise part of your weekly schedule for maximum benefits. The CanDo Yoga Mat is a popular product to help get your fitness routine started. Combine with health supplements for maximum mood-lifting benefits.

 

Sleep Therapy

There are several types of sleep therapy that are recommended for SAD, the most popular of which is chronotherapy. Chronotherapy is a combination of sleep scheduling and sleep deprivation, which studies have shown, have a long-term anti-depressant effect. Talk to your doctor if you think chronotherapy may be right for you.

 

Dietary Changes

Simple additions to your normal diet could make big changes in your mood, wellness and vitality. The addition of foods that contain Melatonin and Omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to decrease the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Some foods that have a large amount of melatonin are:

  • Sour Cherries or Sour Cherry Concentrate
  • Mustard Seed
  • Corn
  • Rice

 

Some foods with a large amount of Omega-3's are:

Melatonin

  • Certain Types of Fish
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Flaxseed
  • Brussels Sprouts

Perhaps you dislike every food in the above lists, not to worry; you can also add supplements to your diet to get similar health affects. The most popular supplements at Vitality Medical that treat with these nutritional benefits are the Natrol brand Omega-3 Softgels and Melatonin Tablets by Gemini Pharmaceuticals.

 

Massage Therapy

Massage is a great way to relax and sooth muscles and mind. Massage lotions have positive effects on the skin, as well as create a smooth surface for massaging. The Massage Lotion by Master Massage is the most popular. Master Massage products are made in the USA and no animal testing is used. For self-massage, try the Conair Massaging Seat Cushion. This cushion fits in a car seat or lounge chair, so you can get the benefits of massage without having to make any additional time in your day.

 

Medication

Another option for treating SAD is medication. Anti-depressants and other medications have been prescribed to treat the symptoms of seasonal depression. Talk to your doctor if you think this option is right for you.

If you choose to take medication, you may need some help managing your medication regime. The most popular product for helping manage your medication schedule is the Deluxe Pill Organizer. For assistance splitting your medication, try the Plastic Pill Splitter by Medline.

You may try many therapies to find the one, or a combination, that works best for you. For additional information on seasonal affective disorder and its treatments, see the resources section below.

 

 

Resources

Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/definition/con-20021047
Web MD: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tc/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-topic-overview
http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/your-omega-3-family-shopping-list
Positive Health: http://www.positivehealth.com/article/aromatherapy/aromatherapy-for-seasonal-affective-disorder-sad
Medscape: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/840191
Immune Health Sciences: http://www.immunehealthscience.com/foods-with-melatonin.html