One of the common jokes to people living in Michigan is how gloomy it is during the winter months. This causes a real problem for seasonal affective disorder, with nearly 3 million people in the state suffering these seasonal blues. What causes this disorder, and can a sunroom help decrease the symptoms you may feel?
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder, otherwise known as S.A.D., is a form of depression that affects people during the shorter winter months. Researchers are not sure what triggers S.A.D., but many believe it is associated with the lower production of vitamin D with the shortened days.
Symptoms of S.A.D. including:
- Feeling sad, anxious, moody, or grumpy
- Eating more or craving carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Sleeping without feeling rested
- Trouble concentrating
- Disinterest in normal activities
Season affective disorder must be diagnosed by a professional. However, if you suspect you may be suffering from even a mild case, getting more sun may be the right approach. Even if you do not have clinical S.A.D., you can always benefit from more sunlight.
How a Sunroom Helps
Sunrooms are a popular addition for many homeowners around Michigan. Not only do these have an estimated 70%-100% return on investment when you sell your home, but they also help combat the S.A.D. affecting so many.
Online a screen room screened in porch, these offer year-round comfort and access to the much-needed sunlight. They have vents run to them, so they are properly cooled in the summer and warmed in the winter. The wide open windows allow for natural heating, despite sometimes frigid weather.
If you desire to have the most benefit to your winter mental health, be careful of the glazing or coatings you add to the windows. While some of these help reduce the wear caused by the sun or even some heat, these also reduce the impact on S.A.D. These coatings help block out some harmful rays, but may also cause the light to be dimmer and thus reduce its therapeutic benefits.
One of the challenges to Michigan winters, aside from frequent gloominess and shorter days, is the reduction in activity. This is often brought on by the colder, wetter weather, but has an effect on your mental health as well. Exercise, whether you’re talking resistance training, cardio, or even yoga, helps release important endorphins into your body.
Many people enjoy using this addition as an exercise nook. This allows you get the benefit of the sun, get your favorite exercise activity in, and not have to risk freezing all at the same time. Plus, over the summer you have an air-conditioned space that still allows you the benefit of the sunlight for your workout routine.
Keep the Party Going
Finally, many people feel disconnected from their friends and family over the winter. This is often caused by busier schedules around the holidays, but is compounded by a lack of opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities together.
While screen rooms may not allow you to have a summertime cookout, they do give you a place to connect with those you love. Everyone will benefit from the more natural setting the windows offer, while also benefiting from having the time to connect.
While deciding what to do this summer for investments into your home, look at whether a sunroom may be the right fit. Call KGT Home Solutions to schedule your consultation and be prepared to deal with S.A.D. next winter before it gets started.