The days are starting to become shorter and the temperature is dropping. You can’t explain it, but you just start to feel as if you’re sinking. While the holidays are just around the corner, there’s this lingering sense of dread. Some call it the winter blues, others call it seasonal depression, but it’s officially known as SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Up to three in 100 people in the UK suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, every year.
If you find SAD overwhelming you, here are some ways to overcome that feeling (including our top choice, a weighted blanket).
SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that begins at the same time every year. It appears beginning in late fall or early winter, and persists until spring and summer. There have even been some rare occurrences of SAD developing in the warmer months.
Symptoms include:
While the answer isn’t concrete, scientists believe that our biological clocks are the major contributors to SAD. Since there’s reduced daylight during the winter months, our internal clocks are affected and may trigger a depressing feeling.
The reduction of sunlight also causes a drop in both our serotonin and melatonin levels, meaning we are less happy and more tired.
There are a few ways to try and overcome the symptoms of SAD.
First of all, it is important to make sure that you receive as much sunlight as possible during the winter months. Doing so will help maintain your biological clock and balance your serotonin levels.
It’s also crucial to maintain a healthy diet and exercise, especially during the winter. When it gets colder, a lot of the time we’re stuck inside doing nothing. This increases the chance of depression and promotes low energy, so we need to make sure that we’re staying active during the winter.
You can also try physical or massage therapy.
One way to really boost serotonin and melatonin is to switch out a regular blanket for a weighted blanket.
But how exactly can a weighted blanket help?
Many of the symptoms of SAD include lower energy and the inability to sleep. By using a weighted blanket, you can help relax your body and mind to induce sleep.
Weighted blankets are excellent in relieving stress and anxiety, and providing overall comfort to your body.
Most of all?
Weighted blankets are known for improving sleep. And since the biggest contributor to SAD is lack of sleep, a weighted blanket could be a real game-changer.
One of our favourite blankets to help give you that cosy comfort is the kuddly weighted blanket! This blanket is designed to mould to the shape of your body, giving the sensation of a loving hug. It’s 5kg weight also helps in relaxing the body and providing cosy relief.
The features of the kuddly blanket are:
Plus, it has over 5000 5-star reviews from happy customers stating how much they love the kuddly blanket, including how much it has helped them with sleep, chronic pain, and restless leg syndrome.
Didn’t realise I needed one!
“Bought a weighted blanket as a gift for someone with anxiety and they say it’s excellent in helping to calm and relax. I wanted one too! The weight all over your body is so soothing and I have a more restful sleep, cooling one is great for summer time and fleesy one will be cosy for winter. Thank you Kudd.ly!” Denise
Wish I bought one sooner
“My weighted blanket arrived earlier than expected and has been a delight! The weight reminds me of the tightly made beds piled with blankets from my childhood, the comforting weight leading to a wonderful nights sleep that hadn’t been experienced for a berg long time. One my best purchases for a very long time!” Amanda
Miracle Blanket
“Bought a weighed blanket for my ‘hyper’ daughter. She actually hates being hot so was not sure if she would like it or gain any benefit… however I literally saw her sink underneath the blanket & saw her relax. It was actually lovely to see & we now call it the ‘MB’ for Miracle Blanket! Thank you Kudd.ly” Holly
The kuddly blanket will not only keep you warm during these cold months, but the gentle pressure will help alleviate some of the symptoms of SAD. With a relaxed body and mind, you’ll be able to fall asleep and restore some of that lost energy.
Don’t let the impending doom of winter engulf you in dread. Invest in a kuddly weighted blanket and reduce the symptoms of SAD.