By Dr. Alessio Dini
The change of season induces various physiological effects on us, on our lifestyle and on our mood. Fatigue, depression, drowsiness, feeling of general malaise. These temporary ailments make a long-awaited period, like the beginning of spring, one of the most difficult of the year as regards psychophysical well-being.
The categories most exposed to these disorders are the "weaker" ones, such as children and the elderly; but not only, in fact, even people who have particularly neglected or stressful lifestyles suffer greatly.
The change of season is a critical moment for those already suffering from depression because the stresses to which our body is subjected exacerbate pre-existing disorders.
The symptomatic picture presents itself with sleep disturbances that manifest themselves with excessive sleepiness and an excessive need for carbohydrates: one feels deprived of strength and energy, is confused, anxious and has difficulty paying attention.
Although the cause of the affective disorder of seasonal depression is not known, research conducted so far suggests that SAD is triggered by a melatonin cycle disorder, which leads to an imbalance in the circadian cycle.
It has been documented that when melatonin levels are abnormal (too high or too low), symptoms related to mental disorders may appear. For example, recent studies have shown that melatonin levels are excessively high in people with manic disorders (subject to extreme changes in mood), while they are excessively low in those suffering from depression.
