What Causes SAD?

Scientists do not really understand why this is a severe disorder for some people and not for others. Most likely, genetics, your body’s makeup, your environment, and your age play a role. Some likely factors include: 

• Reduced sunlight and circadian rhythm. Reduced sunlight in the fall and winter seasons can cause a disruption in some people’s internal clock, which lets you know when to sleep and when to wake. When this is disrupted, depression can occur. 
• Reduced sunlight and serotonin. Serotonin is a natural brain chemical that plays a role in regulating your mood. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin, which can lead to depression. 
• Winter and Melatonin. Melatonin is a natural substance in your body that regulates sleep. It is a hormone produced by the brain during darkness that regulates sleep, body temperature and the release of hormones. The amount we produce varies with the seasons and with age. In the winter, your body produces more melatonin. In addition, people with SAD seem to produce more melatonin, which can disrupt the internal clock and lead to depression. 
• Location. Living in a higher latitude where there are long, cold winters increases your chances of developing SAD.  

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