People should get extra sunlight in the winter to prevent seasonal affective disorder

• As days grow longer with Daylight Saving Time beginning this weekend, the extra sunshine helps everyone throw off the winter blues, especially those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, a moderate state of depression occurring in the winter months.
• Psychologist Christine Cantrell said that the part of the brain regulated by sunlight is affected, especially in Michigan, when the extra cloudiness caused by the surrounding lakes can reduces the amount of sunlight.
• The problem also can be caused by modern work habits of working inside and away from windows and by shifts that start before the sun comes up and end after sunset.
• The mild depression can be alleviated by using light treatments or just keeping a full spectrum light bulb nearby, Cantrell said.
• Cantrell said she has some patients who have SAD, but when the vernal equinox comes around their spirits usually begin to lift.
• "They have the opportunity to spend the time to get some sun in through their eyes," she said.
• Although every person is different, she recommends at least a half an hour of sunlight to help brighten your mood.
• "The best guide is whatever works for you," she said.
• Cantrell said some ways to get extra sun are to eat lunch near a window and run errands during the day.
• She said the point simply is to make sure to feel the sun on your skin.
• SAD affects approximately 5 percent of Americans.
• Cantrell said the worst time of year for SAD sufferers is from November to March; the condition usually starts to set in around October and lighten up in March.
• So now is the time to cheer up: Remember to set your clock ahead one hour before you go to bed Saturday night.