By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

The Moody Blues was a rhythm and blues band formed in 1964 in England. Later, the band was known for its fusion of rock with classical music. An example of this fusion was with their hit song “Nights in White Satin.”

The song was released in 1967 on the band’s Days of Future Passed album. The song was not an immediate hit, but is now a classic. The band moved to a synthesized pop style in the 1980s with The Other Side of Life. The release in 1971 provided the hit “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band).” The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. 

Why the discussion of The Moody Blues? Since we have had snow, this is the start of the season of the blues for some individuals.

The American Psychiatric Association released the Healthy Minds poll in October, 2022. Thirty-eight percent of the respondents from the U.S. revealed their overall mood declines with the winter months, but the holidays have a positive impact. Forty-nine percent acknowledged the positivity of good food on their mood over the holidays. This was slightly higher than the 44% who felt spending time with family and friends improved their mood. 

Based on the survey, individuals from the Northeast and the Midwest were more likely to report a worsening of their mood with the weather change than the Western or Southern regions. 

Why? You guessed it! There is less sun with cold and darker weather in the Midwest and Northeast. How can this impact our health?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more common in areas with less sunlight. Interestingly, only one-half of the respondents in the survey had ever heard of SAD. It is important to understand SAD as a health risk. It is more than just the winter blues because individuals are having signs and symptoms of depression. It is a form of depression related to the change in seasons. It can zap your energy and make you moody.

Did you know with fall and winter SAD, symptoms can include carving carbohydrates and overeating? Besides a changing appetite, sleeping patterns can be disturbed including oversleeping. This combination results in low energy levels and feeling sluggish. 

SAD can be brought on by changes in the body’s level of both serotonin and melatonin, which can alter both mood and sleep. Other factors which can increase one’s risk include a family history of SAD, a history of depression or bipolar disorder, low vitamin D levels, and the distance you live from the equator. 

Besides moving closer to the equator, we do have treatment options. These treatments can include supplements, medications, and phototherapy (light). 

There are over the counter phototherapy options available. These lamp sources can be expensive, but it is important to make a good choice when selecting a light source. Make sure to find a source which blocks UVA and UVB harmful rays. Look at product reviews, as well as consult with a healthcare professional. 

Be careful with light therapy because recent studies demonstrated a disruption in sleep and melatonin levels even with small amounts of ambient light. A March 14, 2022 study in the journal PNAS reported an increase in heart rate at night with small amounts of light, as well as changes in the body’s ability to regulate insulin and blood sugar. Finding the right balance of light during the day and sleep at night is important. 

Light therapy may not be a good option for those with certain eye conditions and one should consult with your optometrist or ophthalmologist before starting phototherapy. In addition, certain types of light therapy can interact with one’s medications. Certain drugs can increase the risk of sun damage as well as the sun’s effect on the eyes. Consult with your pharmacist about medication-related sun sensitivity before starting phototherapy. 

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has a webpage addressing various therapies for SAD. The experts from the Center discuss the lack of evidence for over the counter supplements including St. John’s wort, vitamin B12, and ginkgo biloba. The studies have been small and inconsistent in showing any benefit for SAD. At this time, the only recommendation would be to add a vitamin D supplement for those with inadequate vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D levels can be measured with a blood test when ordered by your primary care provider. Normal vitamin D levels should be between 20 to 40 ng/mL. Some experts use a higher level between 30 and 50 ng/mL. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is 600 IU per day for those over 18 years of age and 800 IU for those over 70. Vitamin D can be toxic if taken in large quantities. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin meaning it stores in our fat tissue. Consult your healthcare provider for more advice on taking vitamin D supplements.

Some individuals with SAD will require medications such as antidepressants. If you are displaying symptoms of SAD, please contact your provider for more advice. 

Talk to your healthcare professional if you have the moody blues. 

ONU HealthWise is offering COVID-19 vaccines, as well as flu shots Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.. The bivalent COVID-19 vaccines are available. Clinics are Monday through Friday from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Please call the pharmacy for more information. 

ONU HealthWise Pharmacy
419-772-3784
www.onuhealthwisepharmacy.com