Each year there is a debate about whether to keep daylight saving time. Many people just don’t like the dark so early in the evening. Well, your brain isn’t so happy about it either.
In fact, it is your brain that sets your circadian clock, which is your sleep-wake cycles. The brain takes its cues from the amount of light your body senses a day and then decides when you will be awake and when you will be asleep. Shorter days in the winter and the resulting decreased light exposure changes your circadian clock. There is one master clock in your brain located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).
Changes to your circadian rhythm affect a number of bodily functions. We all are aware of the extra few pounds we put on in the winter-this is due to changes in the metabolism. There are direct impacts on neurologic function as well. You may notice changes in your mood, including depression which is the result of decreased levels of brain serotonin and dopamine. Your attention span may be lower because of the effects of decreased light on your hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is in control of your circadian rhythm and sleep. Some symptoms you may notice are decreased alertness and cognitive function. Increased sluggishness can result from an overproduction of the brain’s melatonin which occurs on darker days. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is the term for people most dramatically affected by the shorter days.
There are ways you can try to counteract the doldrums of the shorter days: exercise, light therapy, talk therapy, specialized daylight bulbs for your lamps, limiting blue light (which affect melatonin production) and avoid electronic devices for a couple of hours before bedtime , vitamin D supplements, and be more careful about the foods you take in. Most importantly, if you experience social withdrawal, depression and decreased productivity and motivation, consider consulting your physician or psychiatrist.
These impacts on energy, mood and cognition are magnified in patients who suffer from neurologic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s Disease. Interestingly, in MS the higher melatonin levels released in response to shorter days may dampen the immune response, But the lowered Vitamin D may result in more flareups and exacerbation of symptoms like fatigue, mood and spasticity. Alzheimer’s Disease symptoms are worsened by shorter days, especially sundowning. The result is increased confusion, agitation, anxiety and irritability later in the day. In Parkinson’s disease, the shorter days can result in increased motor symptoms as well as confusion and low energy.
BeCare Link can help not only by monitoring your neurologic function, but also by monitoring your mental health, alerting you when you need to get outside help. Be empowered. Become a driver in your own neurologic health journey.