Nebraska officials sharing tips to combat seasonal affective disorder

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN)- Nebraska officials are sharing tips to combat seasonal affective disorder, and raising awareness.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says about 10 million Americans are impacted by the seasonal disorder each year, but there are ways you can tackle the holiday blues.

SAD is caused by reduced exposure to light. When days get shorter and you spend less time outside, your body’s natural clock gets out of sync. Without that burst of light, your body will keep producing the sleep hormone melatonin which lowers your mood and energy.

Symptoms of SAD include losing enjoyment in things that used to be fun, withdrawing from people or significantly lower energy.

Dr. Jerry Walker with Nebraska Medicine says there are ways to give you the boost of energy you need this season.

You can try light therapy, which involves using a light box that provides at least 10,000 lux. Dr. Walker says you don’t need to stare directly at it, just shine it on your face when you first wake up for 20 to 30 minutes.

You can also exercise in the morning, which jump starts the wake cycle and releases chemicals that reduce pain and boost your mood.

If your symptoms of SAD persist, schedule an appointment with your doctor.