Form of seasonal affective disorder and night shift?!
Question: I work nights and know that I'm tired but something dawned on me today when I couldn't sleep and went outside in the sun. I used to live in the midwest (usa) and suffered from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) I now live in a sunny state (Arizona) but since I work the night shift I am always in the darkness. It's not too light when I get off. When I do get to sleep I wake up when it's dark again. I am just wondering if as well of the lack of sleep, I may be suffering a form of SAD since I'm never in the sunshine. Have there been any studies about this? The thought of it just came today and it would explain some of the depression symptoms besides the lack of sleep. Thank you for anyone who could look into this for me.
Answers: I work nights and know that I'm tired but something dawned on me today when I couldn't sleep and went outside in the sun. I used to live in the midwest (usa) and suffered from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) I now live in a sunny state (Arizona) but since I work the night shift I am always in the darkness. It's not too light when I get off. When I do get to sleep I wake up when it's dark again. I am just wondering if as well of the lack of sleep, I may be suffering a form of SAD since I'm never in the sunshine. Have there been any studies about this? The thought of it just came today and it would explain some of the depression symptoms besides the lack of sleep. Thank you for anyone who could look into this for me.
Yes, there are studies that show night shift work can have the same effect as SAD if you do not get adequate daylight even if you live in an otherwise sunny state. Is the job really worth it? If yes, google light box and look for something in the blue light spectrum. Better yet, talk to your doc about it. If s/he doesn't know about SAD and light boxes, find another one who does. This is pretty basic stuff in the world of depression treatment.
I don't know if Arizonia would have them since it is so sunny and warm there, but tanning beds, or try a sun lamp I saw one on Amazon.com for around $300..... but it helps with those who don't get enough sun.
It sounds on the ball to me. You may not be getting enough vitamin D so maybe just take a suppliment and see if it helps with the sleeping too. :o)