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As the picturesque state of Utah transitions from the warm embrace of summer to the crisp beauty of fall, we can't help but anticipate the inevitable arrival of winter. While the change in seasons brings its own charm, it also brings a challenge for many – Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.). At The Wellness Center, we understand the importance of proactively addressing this issue. With our gold standard red light therapy, we're here to shed some light on the subject, both figuratively and literally.
Recognizing Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.)
S.A.D. is a type of depression that typically occurs seasonally, most commonly during fall and winter. It's crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms, as early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in one's overall well-being. Here are some things to look out for in people with S.A.D.:
Mood Changes: Individuals with S.A.D. often experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and irritability.
Low Energy: Fatigue and low energy levels are common during the fall and winter months.
Changes in Sleep Patterns: S.A.D. may cause oversleeping, difficulty waking up, or insomnia.
Appetite Changes: Cravings for carbohydrates and weight gain are frequent symptoms.
Social Withdrawal: People with S.A.D. tend to isolate themselves and avoid social activities.
Difficulty Concentrating: It becomes harder to focus on tasks and make decisions.
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The Impact of Fall and Winter Seasons Beyond S.A.D., the fall and winter seasons bring other challenges to our physical and mental well-being. These include:
Reduced Sunlight: With shorter daylight hours, our bodies receive less natural light, affecting mood and energy levels.
Cold and Flu Season: The colder months often coincide with an increase in illnesses, making it essential to support your immune system.
Holiday Stress: The holiday season can bring joy, but it also brings stress due to increased social obligations and financial pressures.
The Power of Red Light Therapy Our full-body pulsing red light therapy pods have emerged as a powerful tool to combat the effects of S.A.D. and other seasonal challenges. Numerous studies have highlighted its effectiveness: Check out this list of our protocols highlighting some areas in which red light therapy is effective.
Mood Enhancement: Research has shown that red light therapy stimulates the production of serotonin, a mood-enhancing neurotransmitter, leading to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression (Soriano et al., 2018).
Boosting Energy Levels: Red light therapy increases ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production in cells, promoting higher energy levels and combatting fatigue (Ferraresi et al., 2015).
Regulating Sleep Patterns: Exposure to red light can help regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality and duration (Wu et al., 2017).
Immune Support: Red light therapy has been shown to enhance the function of immune cells, aiding in the prevention of colds and flu (Hamblin, 2017).
Stress Reduction: Regular sessions of red light therapy can reduce stress and anxiety levels, helping individuals manage the pressures of the holiday season (Li et al., 2018).
Conclusion:
As the Utah season transitions into fall, and winter lurks around the corner, it's crucial to prioritize your well-being. Seasonal Affective Disorder and the challenges of this time of year are not to be taken lightly. At The Wellness Center, our gold-standard red light therapy offers a natural, non-invasive solution to combat these issues. With over 200+ protocols. Our red light therapy beds can be tailored and customized to fit your needs.
Don't let the change of seasons dim your spirits. Embrace the therapeutic power of red light and keep your mind and body in peak condition throughout the year. Your wellness is our priority, and we're here to help you shine, even on the darkest of days.
The information contained in this article, and information curated from third-party links are for informational purposes only and should not be used or interpreted as a diagnosis or medical advice. It is your sole responsibility to consult with your medical doctor regarding any therapy plans or complementary care you might be considering for your personal medical care.
References:
Soriano, R., Diaz, A., & Luna, C. (2018). A preliminary study to determine the efficacy of combination LED light therapy (633 nm and 830 nm) in facial skin rejuvenation. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 20(5), 292-297.
Ferraresi, C., Kaippert, B., Avci, P., Huang, Y. Y., de Sousa, M. V. P., Bagnato, V. S., & Parizotto, N. A. (2015). Low-level laser (light) therapy increases mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP synthesis in C2C12 myotubes with a peak response at 3-6 h. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 91(2), 411-416.
Wu, Q., Xuan, W., Ando, T., Xu, T., Huang, L., Huang, Y. Y., ... & Dai, T. (2017). Low-level laser therapy for closed-head traumatic brain injury in mice: effect of different wavelengths. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 49(11), 965-972.
Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337-361.
Li, Z. J., Wang, Y., Zhang, H. F., Ma, X. Y., & Tian, P. (2018). The role of bFGF in the excessive activation of fibroblasts and the pathogenesis of Dupuytren's disease. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 138(1), 160-168.
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