Flourish Health & Wellbeing Magazine May 25 - Flipbook - Page 38
My Depression Is Worse in
Winter. Can Light Help?
I Am Having Problems with My
Sleep. What Should I Do?
For some, the winter months bring a
no琀椀ceable dip in mood. Bright light
therapy can be a gentle way to help
your body’s internal clock, easing
seasonal depression and improving
sleep. While natural sunlight is best,
it might not always be available
during winter. In those cases,
ar琀椀昀椀cial light therapy can be a good
alterna琀椀ve. A sleep specialist can
help determine the right approach
for you, and even simple changes
like ge琀�ng more morning light
might make a di昀昀erence.
There are several steps you can
take on your own to encourage
be琀琀er sleep, such as prac琀椀sing
good sleep hygiene. If these
strategies aren’t enough, consider
reaching out to your doctor or
a sleep specialist who can o昀昀er
personalised advice and support.
I’ve Heard Antidepressants
Make Sleep Worse.
Is This True?
Some people 昀椀nd that certain
an琀椀depressants, such as SSRIs, can
a昀昀ect their sleep. However, this
isn’t the case for everyone. It can
be helpful to talk with your doctor
about any concerns and some琀椀mes
adjus琀椀ng the 琀椀me of day you
take your medica琀椀on can help.
Remember, your treatment plan is
unique to you, and your doctor can
help balance the bene昀椀ts with any
poten琀椀al side e昀昀ects.
Are Naps Bad? How Long
Should a Nap Be?
While a short nap can be
refreshing, long or late naps may
interfere with your nigh琀�me
sleep. If you do need a nap, try
to keep it brief—around 15 to
20 minutes—and avoid napping
too late in the day. This can help
ensure that you get the restora琀椀ve
sleep you need at night.
Important Mental Health Note:
If you’re struggling with your mental health or feeling
overwhelmed, please consider reaching out for help. In
Australia, you can call Lifeline at 13 11 14 for immediate
support. If you’re in another country, please contact your
local emergency services or a trusted crisis support line.
Your wellbeing ma琀琀ers, and help is always available.
