Five ways SAD can affect physical health, from headaches to erectile dysfunction

Kate Ng
·Trending Lifestyle Reporter
·4-min read
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The changing seasons can have a significant impact on some people's moods. (Getty Images)

It’s been nearly two weeks since the autumn equinox, which means the nights are now officially longer than daylight hours. While some people look forward to the cosier winter months, many struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as the days get shorter.

SAD, sometimes known as winter depression, affects one in three people in the UK. Common symptoms include a low mood, being less sociable, a lack of interest in things you would normally enjoy, and having less energy.

But while SAD is usually associated with its impact on mental health, the condition can also result in some physical symptoms.

SAD is a mood disorder, which can impact men’s libido and sexual desire. This lowered libido can heighten the risk of erectile dysfunction because it makes achieving and maintaining an erection very difficult.

Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, says the reduced exposure to sunlight can impact hormones, leading to a decrease in melatonin and testosterone, both of which are crucial for maintaining healthy sexual function.

However, Dr Grant reassures men that there are a range of treatments available for erectile dysfunction, which is a widespread issue that usually affects around half of men aged 40 to 70.

Along with mood changes, colder weathers also bring about a decline in physical activity and an increase in indulging in comfort eating. While these are not bad things, the combination can contribute to significant weight gain - especially if you have low mood and energy, and don’t want to go anywhere.

"The effect on mood can impact people’s dietary habits, leading to an increased consumption of sugary or generally unhealthy foods. It can be difficult to find motivation to maintain fitness routines or daily exercise with the limited daylight hours and harsh weather conditions," Dr Grant explains.

He recommends incorporating workouts that can be done at home and establishing a routine that works within the comforts of your own home.

Tired man just woke up. Concept of low energy and sleeplessness.
Seasonal affective disorder can lead to a number of mental, and physical, symptoms. (Getty Images)

SAD can have a big impact on sleep routines, with some individuals getting too much rest while others can’t get enough. Oversleeping, also known as hypersomnia, is a common sleep condition that stems from SAD, Dr Grant says, and results in people sleeping for much longer than is recommended.

On the other hand, insomnia is also linked very closely to SAD’s impact on mood and mental health.

He suggests trying to maintain a structured sleep schedule in the colder seasons by aiming to go to bed at the same time each night and sleeping for seven to nine hours in order to feel sufficiently rested.

SAD can lead to poor sleep, less exercise, increased stress and vitamin deficiencies. All this can put real strain on your immune system and weaken it - particularly as the body experiences a fall in vitamin D due to the lack of sunshine.

Dr Grant recommends taking supplements to give your body a much-needed nutritional boost.

Upset black young lady suffers from headache sits on sofa touches her forehead at home. Stressed millennial woman with eyes closed having migraine health problem, feeling unwell
Tension headaches and migraines may become more common with SAD. (Getty Images)

Increased stress that comes with this disorder can lead to a rise in headaches, including tension headaches and migraines, Dr Grant says. Tension headaches are extremely common and stem from mental strain. Symptoms include non-pulsing head pain, mild sensitivity to light, and tender muscles around the neck or shoulders.

Migraines can be more severe, with symptoms including a pulsing sensation on the side of the head, feelings of nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.

"Overall, while many of us think of the effects SAD has on moods, it’s clear that it can have a huge impact on physical health too," Dr Grant says. "This includes an increased risk of obesity, erectile dysfunction and illnesses through a weakened immune system.

"Throughout autumn and winter, I recommend monitoring moods daily and seeking medical support should SAD continue to affect your quality of life and day-to-day activities - such as work or social lives."

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