How Weather Changes Affect Health

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mental health condition also known as winter depression. Typically, patients who have it will not experience issues with their mental health most of the year, except during one particular period, which is often the end of fall and throughout the winter.

There are a few contributing factors to SAD, including levels of melatonin and serotonin, as well as an individual’s biological clock. The reduced amount of sunlight individuals are exposed to during the winter tends to disrupt their biological clock and can also result in reduced serotonin production, which can trigger SAD symptoms. The changes in seasons can also influence the production of melatonin, which plays a significant part in sleep patterns and mood.

Although the changes in weather may present imperceptible changes upon an individual’s health, as is often the case when it comes to blood pressure, it remains clear the weather does have an impact. Patients are encouraged to identify the changes that most affect them and take steps with their primary physician to manage the impact.