Fall is a wonderful time of year. The air turns crisp, the leaves start to change color and there is seemingly nothing that can’t be made better by pumpkin spice. And while there is a lot to love about the autumn season, one of the things that can affect people in unexpected ways is shorter days.

The days are already starting to get shorter, and pretty soon daylight savings time will be at an end. These shorter days mean less sunlight, and can actually lead to a disorder that impacts your sleep: Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD. CPAPCentral.com wants to help you understand how this disorder can impact your sleep, and what you can do to treat it.

The Effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder can be caused by a few things, but among the most common are changes in your body’s circadian rhythms due to the reduced sunlight, which can lead to reduced levels of serotonin. Among the main side effects associated with SAD is insomnia, which means you’re unable to fall asleep and your energy levels decrease. In fact, studies have shown that up to 80 percent of people with Fall/Winter SAD experience hyperinsomnia. These side effects can lead to depression, which can be severe.

Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder

You should seek treatment if your symptoms are persistent, especially if you no longer find activities as enjoyable as you once did. If you are diagnosed with SAD, your doctor may prescribe light therapy, which simulates the same light as outdoor light and can trigger chemicals in the brain. Your doctor may also elect to use psychotherapy and anti-depressants to treat the disorder.

At home, there are steps you can take on your own to reduce the effects of SAD. Make sure to let as much natural light into your home as you can, and get outside as much as possible, weather permitting. Regular exercise can also help by taking away stress, which can make SAD symptoms worse.

CPAPCentral.com hopes that by raising awareness about SAD, you can be proactive and make changes to your daily routine before the disorder impacts your sleep.