Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression that occurs in relation to the season. SAD most often begins to show symptoms in winter. People with depression may have trouble sleeping at night. They often have an excessive level of sleepiness during the day. They also tend to dream more quickly after falling asleep.
Symptoms of SAD are:
- Afternoon slumps with decreased energy and concentration
- Carbohydrate cravings
- Decreased interest in work or other activities
- Depression that starts in fall or winter
- Increased appetite with weight gain
- Increased sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness
- Lack of energy
- Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
- Social withdrawal