Many people experience cabin fever during the winter months, eating and sleeping more as the temperatures drop. For those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), winter can bring more than just the blues.

SAD is a type of depression that occurs during seasonal changes, usually in late fall and winter. The shorter days and cooler temperatures can induce depression, lethargy, fatigue, headaches, social withdrawal, increased sleep, irritability and weight gain.

“Most people experience days when they feel down,” said internal medicine physician John Snell, D.O., of Western Baptist Hospital, “but if you feel down for an extended period of time, it’s time to see your doctor.”

Often difficult to diagnose, SAD depends on three factors:

• Experiencing periods of depression for at least two consecutive years, during the same season.
• The periods of depression are followed by periods without depression.
• There are no other explanations for the changes in behavior.

Follow these tips:

• Increase sunlight exposure.
• Exercise.
• Spend time with other people.
• Take part in social activities.

For more information about SAD , visit the Health Encyclopedia at westernbaptist.com. The Health Encyclopedia offers more than 11,000 pages of comprehensive, patient-friendly information on diseases, symptoms, medical tests, injuries and common health and medical questions. More than 1,500 medical topics are enhanced by hundreds of medical illustrations, photos and diagrams. The Health Encyclopedia content is accredited by URAC , also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission.