Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is the term used to describe a depressive mood that typically occurs in the winter months.

It is believed to occur because lack of sunshine triggers lower levels of “happy” hormones in the body, like serotonin and dopamine. SAD, also known as “the winter blues,” is estimated to occur in between 0.5% to 5% of the general population. It has a lower prevalence in countries closer to the equator and a higher prevalence the farther North you go.

A milder form of the disorder, called “SAD light,” subsyndromal seasonal affective disorder or “sub-SAD” is estimated to occur in between 5% to 20% of the general population. Again, the closer you get to the north pole, the less daily sunlight you receive during the winter months and the increased incidence of sub-SAD.

Symptoms of the disorder include depressive or low moods, lack of pleasure in daily life, inability to cope with day to day activities, lack of interest in general activities and hobbies, fatigue, lethargy, tiredness, changes in sleep habits usually marked by an increase in sleep duration, changes in diet and food intake, increase craving of candy, sweets and carbohydrates like bread and pasta, overeating, weight gain, decrease in physical activity, irritability, restlessness and anxiety.

The main delineation between SAD and sub-SAD is the severity and duration of........

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