Seasonal change may trigger sleep problems, altered moods

Oct. 19, 2011 - PRLog -- (Richmond, VA) – Golden autumn afternoons, fall foliage and cooler temperatures are a welcome change for most people after a long hot summer, but sleep tips website http://Sleepbetter.org says families should be watchful that the change in seasons could lead to sleep problems and other behavioral troubles for adults, teens and children.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects an estimated six percent of the population.  A person with SAD can experience unexplained fatigue as daylight hours grow shorter into the fall and winter months.  Other symptoms could include increased irritability, increased daytime sleepiness ( as opposed to most other forms of depression, which can cause insomnia ), difficulty concentrating, and craving carbohydrates and sugary foods, so-called “comfort foods.”

“For some folks, autumn clearly presents something much more than just ‘great sleeping weather,’” said Dan Schecter, vice president of Consumer Products at Carpenter Co. and creator of SleepBetter.org. “If families suspect they are affected by SAD, they should seek a proper diagnosis from a physician or mental health professional.”

Schecter said families also can take steps on their own to encourage healthy sleep patterns as the seasons change:

* Make seasonal adjustments, if necessary, but set regular sleeping and waking times and stick with the schedule, even on weekends

* Get plenty of exercise, outdoors if at all possible, to maximize exposure to daylight

* Ensure your home sleeping environment and bedding are clean and appropriate to the season

* Eat a well-balanced diet with sufficient vitamins and minerals

For more tips to make the most of your family's sleep, please visit http://sleepbetter.org.  You can also get sleep advice from SleepBetter on Twitter and Facebook.

About Carpenter Co. / SleepBetter.org
SleepBetter.org is dedicated to helping people sleep better. Designed as an online resource, the web site creates a forum for visitors to define, discuss, and discover solutions to their particular sleep needs. SleepBetter.org’s quest is to continually gather pertinent sleep information, then share this knowledge with the general public. The site also shares tips on the best sleep related products, both in stores and online. SleepBetter.org has created the Sleep Better seal as a way to easily identify products recommended for their superior quality or scientifically based design. Created by Carpenter Co., the world’s largest producer of comfort cushioning products, SleepBetter.org provides information and advice that visitors can use to sleep better. For more information, please visit http://SleepBetter.org.