This specific cluster of symptoms can be deceptive. Sufferers often brush off their heaviness as simple laziness or a lack of willpower. "I would come home from work at 5:00 PM, see it was dark, and feel an overwhelming urge to get into bed," says Mark, a 34-year-old graphic designer who was diagnosed with SAD three years ago. "I thought I was just burnt out. It took me two winters to realize this wasn't a personality flaw; it was a cycle."
It is believed to be triggered by reduced sunlight, which disrupts the body's circadian rhythm (internal clock) and affects levels of serotonin (mood regulator) and melatonin (sleep hormone). Common Signs to Watch For seasonal affective disorder
Less frequently, SAD can occur in the spring and summer. Symptoms for this pattern differ notably: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - Symptoms & causes This specific cluster of symptoms can be deceptive