The end of summer is marked by reduced daylight hours and cooler temperatures. Some welcome this seasonal change with the longing for hot chocolate, a hearty stew, or more rest -- others dread the looming loss of daylight.
In 1994, a study investigating light's effects on patients with SAD was published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research. However, among the 1,571 observed individuals, the fall/winter oversleeping only differed slightly from the general population's. What did change was the sleep architecture of SAD patients, which was reversed by bright-light therapy and the change in season.
Dopamine, however, stops the effects of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Instead of making you sleepy, this chemical allows you to perk up.
Karen Leadbeater, a licensed homeopath in the south west of England in Tavistock, Devon, since 1998, addresses the topic on her blog, Navigating Seasonal Change with Homeopathy.
In an interview with The Epoch Times, Leadbeater reflected on the importance of light for most living creatures, including humans.
She sees it as a form of essential nutrient and circles back to "the hormone of darkness."
Leadbeater deciphers the disorder through a homeopathic lens of health and disease -- naturally, this makes her think beyond melatonin and tune into each individual's own history of life experiences, events, and sensitivities. She looks at the entire story when treating a patient.
"For some, SAD may be rooted in a lifelong sensitivity to light and the way it impacts their endocrine system. Moving into the dark half of the year may stir up early or unconscious associations or act as a painful reminder of past events. It may also be helpful to look back at the time in the person's life when their depression first manifested and explore whether there were life changes or difficult circumstances occurring at that time," Leadbeater said.
This homeopathic medicine stems from the plant Colchicum autumnale, also known as autumn crocus or meadow saffron.
"The plant is remarkable in that its flowers appear in autumn, some time before the leaves, which appear the following spring. This is the reason for another of its common names -- naked ladies," she said.
Leadbeater utilizes this homeopathic resource when treating patients strongly touched by sunlight and darkness.
However, "these effects can be eased a little in the light of the company of good friends, dancing, and chocolate," and by phosphorus, which is crucial to all life, "including for example, in plant cells where it is essential to the process of photosynthesis -- transforming light energy from the sun into chemical energy for metabolic processes."
These treatments would be the course of action if a SAD-patient struggles with insomnia or depression.
The results were conclusive. "... bright light therapy is a promising first-line non-pharmacological treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), showing significant improvement in mood symptoms compared to placebo," wrote the researchers.
In this way, the human systems are allowed to balance themselves instead of being overwhelmed in one direction or another.
Study group A received 75 milligrams (mg) of each, hops and valerian oil, and a low dosage of THC ((0.35mg). Study group B received a lower dosage of 20 mg or a placebo and an increased amount (0.85mg) of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Researchers found "a significant difference in sleep disturbance, anxiety, stress, and well-being between Sleep A and placebo."
Researchers observed, "that a botanical blend containing lower amounts of THC and higher amounts of GABA hops oil, and valerian oil significantly improved sleep quality, anxiety, stress, and overall well-being in healthy individuals with a desire for better sleep." The blend with higher amounts of THC and the placebo were not as effective.
Sometimes called "liquid lemony sunshine," lemon balm is excellent in herbal protocols for seasonal affective disorder treating sleep difficulties stemming from anxiety.
Lemon balm works well when utilizing its essential oil in aromatherapy, or as a tea, using the plant's dried leaves: 1-2 teaspoon to 8-ounces water, steep covered 15-30 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups daily.