Shed Some Light On The Winter Blues

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - I don't know about your feelings on the subject but this is the time of year where I feel as if the warm weather is never going to get here and the workday seems endless. Certainly the cold weather is a major factor but there is another factor that science has shown to be extremely important. This is the amount of light and sunlight that we are receiving.

Think about it. Many of us leave for work while it's still dark and we return home in darkness. We can go days without exposure to sunlight in the outdoors. There is a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder where people actually suffer from depression and other symptoms as a result of this reduced exposure to light.

One of the most effective treatments for seasonal affective disorder is light therapy. Patients actually spend time in front of banks of lights.

For most of us however simple measures can make a big difference. I'm talking about taking a break during the day to get outside in the sun if possible. It can just be a few minutes but it can make a major difference. Just like a few minutes of stretching during the workday can help with muscle tightness, getting some exposure to the sun can help with your mood.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor