Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): How is your SAD showing up most this season?

Commonly suggested options include blue Light Therapy, vitamin D Deficiency, tryptophan Deficiency, cognitive Behavioral Therapy, st. John's wort and l-tryptophan.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): What kind of help feels right for you this winter?

Commonly suggested options include blue Light Therapy, music Therapy, DU20 (Baihui) - Governing Vessel 20, cognitive Behavioral Therapy, vitamin D Deficiency and tryptophan Deficiency.

Craving bread and sweets all winter

The clocks go back, and what you want to eat shifts. You reach for toast, pasta, biscuits and chocolate. In July you barely thought about them.

This is a common winter pattern. Many people eat more starch and sugar once the days get short. Some also snack later at night, then gain a few pounds by March.

Less daylight can nudge your body clock and your mood. When mood dips, quick carbs often feel like the thing you need. When this comes back each winter, doctors call it seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

Not every winter craving is SAD. Broken sleep, stress and skipped meals can all drive it. So can low iron, or a thyroid gland that runs slow.

When to see someone

See your doctor if low mood or binge eating lasts two weeks. Book a check-up for big weight change, strong thirst, feeling cold all day, or thinning hair. If you think of harming yourself, call your doctor or an urgent line today.

Below is a list of remedies people try for winter low mood and carb cravings. Each one carries a grade for how strong the research behind it is. A grade is not a promise, so talk with your doctor first, above all if you take medicine.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): natural remedies and the evidence behind them

8 options · 1 graded A · 1 graded B · 6 traditional or ungraded

How is your SAD showing up most this season?

The classic winter slump - oversleeping, sluggish mornings, and carb cravings that lift when days get longer

Blue Light Therapy
Supported by controlled trials· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade A · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple
Bright morning light for the winter slump
Why this matches
If your slump eases as the days get longer, bright light therapy mimics that longer daylight: morning light exposure to help reset your body clock and lift oversleeping and sluggishness.
Why try it
Bright morning light is a first-line approach for winter SAD, and a meta-analysis of randomized trials found blue-enriched light therapy improved winter depression symptoms. Many people notice a lift within the first couple of weeks.
Dose or use
Typically about 30 minutes of bright light-box exposure in the morning; follow the device's guidance.
Time to results
Typically 1-2 weeks
Key study
Meta-Analysis (2022, PMID 35522196): Blue-Light Therapy for Seasonal and Non-Seasonal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Pooled nine RCTs (seven in seasonal depression, n=347) and found blue-enriched light therapy improved depression symptoms versus control.
Caution
Can cause eye strain, headache, or overstimulation. If you have an eye condition or bipolar disorder, check with a doctor before starting.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use
Low winter sunlight can drop vitamin D
Why this matches
The winter slump often tracks with less sunlight, and less sun means less vitamin D, which the library links to low mood in the darker months.
Why try it
Getting your vitamin D level checked is a simple step; low mood and fatigue can be associated with low vitamin D, especially in winter.
Dose or use
Ask your doctor for a blood test, then supplement to correct a confirmed deficiency under guidance.
Time to results
Typically several weeks after correcting a deficiency
Key study
The library guide notes low mood or depression can be associated with low vitamin D, particularly in the winter months; this is an association, not proof of cause.
Caution
More is not better; high-dose vitamin D can be harmful. Supplement to correct a tested deficiency, not blindly.
Tryptophan Deficiency
Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use
Low tryptophan can mean low serotonin
Why this matches
When winter brings a flat, low mood, it can reflect low serotonin, and tryptophan is the amino acid your body needs to make it.
Why try it
The library links low tryptophan to irritability, anxiety, and depression, so addressing it targets the low-serotonin side of seasonal mood dips.
Dose or use
Support through protein-rich foods or supplementation; discuss testing and dosing with your provider.
Time to results
Typically a few weeks
Key study
The library guide links low tryptophan to irritability, anxiety, and depression through reduced serotonin; this is a mechanistic association, not a SAD-specific trial.
Caution
If you take antidepressants or other serotonergic medicines, raising tryptophan should be done only with medical advice.

Mostly in my head - negative thoughts, hopelessness, or feeling stuck in a dark loop

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)
Targets seasonal negative thought patterns directly
Why this matches
If SAD is showing up most as stuck or hopeless thinking, CBT works by identifying and reshaping the seasonal beliefs that fuel winter depression.
Why try it
Supported by clinical research, CBT adapted for SAD has shown a durability advantage — meaning the mindset shifts it builds may help protect against SAD returning in future winters.
Dose or use
Typically 8–12 structured sessions with a trained therapist; SAD-specific CBT protocols are available.
Time to results
Typically 6–12 weeks
Key study
RCT (2023, PMID 37330257): Change in Seasonal Beliefs Mediates the Durability Advantage of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Over Light Therapy for Winter Depression.
Caution
Best delivered by a licensed mental health professional; not a substitute for crisis support if needed.
St. John's wort
Centuries of traditional use across more than one tradition· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use classical)Classical use across multiple traditions
Herbal support for low winter mood
Why this matches
When SAD shows up most as negative, hopeless thinking, St. John's wort is traditionally used to lift low mood through the darker months.
Why try it
It is one of the most widely used herbal options for depression and low mood. It is offered here on the basis of that established herbal use rather than a SAD-specific trial held in our library.
Dose or use
Commonly taken as a standardized extract; follow product labeling and start at a low dose. Check with a pharmacist first.
Time to results
Typically 4-6 weeks
Key study
Traditionally and widely used for depression and low mood; this specific SAD use has not been confirmed in a controlled clinical trial held in our library.
Caution
Interacts with many prescription drugs, including antidepressants, birth control, and blood thinners. Do not combine with other medicines without checking with a pharmacist or doctor.

A flat, heavy mood - low energy, no spark, and little motivation to do anything

L-tryptophan
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple
Serotonin building block for flat mood
Why this matches
When SAD feels like a flat mood and low energy, L-tryptophan is the amino acid your body uses to make serotonin, the mood-steadying chemical that tends to dip in winter.
Why try it
It is offered as a serotonin precursor to support the low-serotonin side of winter low mood, on that mechanistic basis rather than a SAD-specific trial held in our library.
Dose or use
Taken as an oral supplement, often away from protein-heavy meals; follow product labeling.
Time to results
Typically 2-6 weeks
Key study
Used as a serotonin precursor for low mood; this specific SAD use has not been confirmed in a controlled clinical trial held in our library.
Caution
Can interact with antidepressants and other serotonergic medicines; do not combine without medical advice.
Music Therapy
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple
Guided music to lift a flat winter mood
Why this matches
When SAD sits as a flat, heavy mood, music therapy uses guided listening and music-making with a trained therapist to gently lift mood and energy.
Why try it
The library notes music therapy improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression. It is offered on that basis rather than a SAD-specific controlled trial held for this item in our library.
Dose or use
Sessions with a credentialed music therapist, or simple daily guided listening at home.
Time to results
Typically 3-6 weeks
Key study
Music therapy is used to support mood and ease depressive symptoms; this specific SAD use is not tied to a controlled trial held for this item in our library.
Caution
Generally low-risk; choose a credentialed therapist for structured work and skip tracks that stir up distressing memories.
DU20 (Baihui) - Governing Vessel 20
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple
Crown point traditionally used to lift mood
Why this matches
When SAD feels like low energy and a flat mood, DU20 (Baihui), at the crown of the head, is the classic point traditionally used to lift energy and mood.
Why try it
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this point is used to uplift energy, ease mild low mood, and clear mental fatigue and brain fog.
Dose or use
Apply gentle, steady pressure to the crown of the head for 1-2 minutes, breathing slowly.
Time to results
Varies; often used as an ongoing daily practice
Key study
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to uplift mood and relieve mental fatigue; this specific use has not been confirmed in a controlled clinical trial held in our library.
Caution
A gentle self-care practice, not a treatment for clinical depression; seek professional care for persistent or severe symptoms.
Tryptophan Deficiency
Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use
Low tryptophan can mean low serotonin
Why this matches
When winter brings a flat, low mood, it can reflect low serotonin, and tryptophan is the amino acid your body needs to make it.
Why try it
The library links low tryptophan to irritability, anxiety, and depression, so addressing it targets the low-serotonin side of seasonal mood dips.
Dose or use
Support through protein-rich foods or supplementation; discuss testing and dosing with your provider.
Time to results
Typically a few weeks
Key study
The library guide links low tryptophan to irritability, anxiety, and depression through reduced serotonin; this is a mechanistic association, not a SAD-specific trial.
Caution
If you take antidepressants or other serotonergic medicines, raising tryptophan should be done only with medical advice.

What kind of help feels right for you this winter?

I'd rather build simple daily habits at home - morning light, acupressure, or mood-lifting music

Blue Light Therapy
Supported by controlled trials· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade A · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple
Bright morning light for the winter slump
Why this matches
If your slump eases as the days get longer, bright light therapy mimics that longer daylight: morning light exposure to help reset your body clock and lift oversleeping and sluggishness.
Why try it
Bright morning light is a first-line approach for winter SAD, and a meta-analysis of randomized trials found blue-enriched light therapy improved winter depression symptoms. Many people notice a lift within the first couple of weeks.
Dose or use
Typically about 30 minutes of bright light-box exposure in the morning; follow the device's guidance.
Time to results
Typically 1-2 weeks
Key study
Meta-Analysis (2022, PMID 35522196): Blue-Light Therapy for Seasonal and Non-Seasonal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Pooled nine RCTs (seven in seasonal depression, n=347) and found blue-enriched light therapy improved depression symptoms versus control.
Caution
Can cause eye strain, headache, or overstimulation. If you have an eye condition or bipolar disorder, check with a doctor before starting.
Music Therapy
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple
Guided music to lift a flat winter mood
Why this matches
When SAD sits as a flat, heavy mood, music therapy uses guided listening and music-making with a trained therapist to gently lift mood and energy.
Why try it
The library notes music therapy improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression. It is offered on that basis rather than a SAD-specific controlled trial held for this item in our library.
Dose or use
Sessions with a credentialed music therapist, or simple daily guided listening at home.
Time to results
Typically 3-6 weeks
Key study
Music therapy is used to support mood and ease depressive symptoms; this specific SAD use is not tied to a controlled trial held for this item in our library.
Caution
Generally low-risk; choose a credentialed therapist for structured work and skip tracks that stir up distressing memories.
DU20 (Baihui) - Governing Vessel 20
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple
Crown point traditionally used to lift mood
Why this matches
When SAD feels like low energy and a flat mood, DU20 (Baihui), at the crown of the head, is the classic point traditionally used to lift energy and mood.
Why try it
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this point is used to uplift energy, ease mild low mood, and clear mental fatigue and brain fog.
Dose or use
Apply gentle, steady pressure to the crown of the head for 1-2 minutes, breathing slowly.
Time to results
Varies; often used as an ongoing daily practice
Key study
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to uplift mood and relieve mental fatigue; this specific use has not been confirmed in a controlled clinical trial held in our library.
Caution
A gentle self-care practice, not a treatment for clinical depression; seek professional care for persistent or severe symptoms.

I'd rather work with a professional - structured therapy or guided sessions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)
Targets seasonal negative thought patterns directly
Why this matches
If SAD is showing up most as stuck or hopeless thinking, CBT works by identifying and reshaping the seasonal beliefs that fuel winter depression.
Why try it
Supported by clinical research, CBT adapted for SAD has shown a durability advantage — meaning the mindset shifts it builds may help protect against SAD returning in future winters.
Dose or use
Typically 8–12 structured sessions with a trained therapist; SAD-specific CBT protocols are available.
Time to results
Typically 6–12 weeks
Key study
RCT (2023, PMID 37330257): Change in Seasonal Beliefs Mediates the Durability Advantage of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Over Light Therapy for Winter Depression.
Caution
Best delivered by a licensed mental health professional; not a substitute for crisis support if needed.
Music Therapy
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple
Guided music to lift a flat winter mood
Why this matches
When SAD sits as a flat, heavy mood, music therapy uses guided listening and music-making with a trained therapist to gently lift mood and energy.
Why try it
The library notes music therapy improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression. It is offered on that basis rather than a SAD-specific controlled trial held for this item in our library.
Dose or use
Sessions with a credentialed music therapist, or simple daily guided listening at home.
Time to results
Typically 3-6 weeks
Key study
Music therapy is used to support mood and ease depressive symptoms; this specific SAD use is not tied to a controlled trial held for this item in our library.
Caution
Generally low-risk; choose a credentialed therapist for structured work and skip tracks that stir up distressing memories.

I'd rather get to the root of it - check whether low vitamin D or tryptophan is dragging my mood down

Vitamin D Deficiency
Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use
Low winter sunlight can drop vitamin D
Why this matches
The winter slump often tracks with less sunlight, and less sun means less vitamin D, which the library links to low mood in the darker months.
Why try it
Getting your vitamin D level checked is a simple step; low mood and fatigue can be associated with low vitamin D, especially in winter.
Dose or use
Ask your doctor for a blood test, then supplement to correct a confirmed deficiency under guidance.
Time to results
Typically several weeks after correcting a deficiency
Key study
The library guide notes low mood or depression can be associated with low vitamin D, particularly in the winter months; this is an association, not proof of cause.
Caution
More is not better; high-dose vitamin D can be harmful. Supplement to correct a tested deficiency, not blindly.
Tryptophan Deficiency
Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use
Low tryptophan can mean low serotonin
Why this matches
When winter brings a flat, low mood, it can reflect low serotonin, and tryptophan is the amino acid your body needs to make it.
Why try it
The library links low tryptophan to irritability, anxiety, and depression, so addressing it targets the low-serotonin side of seasonal mood dips.
Dose or use
Support through protein-rich foods or supplementation; discuss testing and dosing with your provider.
Time to results
Typically a few weeks
Key study
The library guide links low tryptophan to irritability, anxiety, and depression through reduced serotonin; this is a mechanistic association, not a SAD-specific trial.
Caution
If you take antidepressants or other serotonergic medicines, raising tryptophan should be done only with medical advice.

I'd rather try something I can take - herbal or nutritional supplements for winter mood

L-tryptophan
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple
Serotonin building block for flat mood
Why this matches
When SAD feels like a flat mood and low energy, L-tryptophan is the amino acid your body uses to make serotonin, the mood-steadying chemical that tends to dip in winter.
Why try it
It is offered as a serotonin precursor to support the low-serotonin side of winter low mood, on that mechanistic basis rather than a SAD-specific trial held in our library.
Dose or use
Taken as an oral supplement, often away from protein-heavy meals; follow product labeling.
Time to results
Typically 2-6 weeks
Key study
Used as a serotonin precursor for low mood; this specific SAD use has not been confirmed in a controlled clinical trial held in our library.
Caution
Can interact with antidepressants and other serotonergic medicines; do not combine without medical advice.
St. John's wort
Centuries of traditional use across more than one tradition· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use classical)Classical use across multiple traditions
Herbal support for low winter mood
Why this matches
When SAD shows up most as negative, hopeless thinking, St. John's wort is traditionally used to lift low mood through the darker months.
Why try it
It is one of the most widely used herbal options for depression and low mood. It is offered here on the basis of that established herbal use rather than a SAD-specific trial held in our library.
Dose or use
Commonly taken as a standardized extract; follow product labeling and start at a low dose. Check with a pharmacist first.
Time to results
Typically 4-6 weeks
Key study
Traditionally and widely used for depression and low mood; this specific SAD use has not been confirmed in a controlled clinical trial held in our library.
Caution
Interacts with many prescription drugs, including antidepressants, birth control, and blood thinners. Do not combine with other medicines without checking with a pharmacist or doctor.

Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), not a promise of results. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.

Craving bread and sweets all winter

When to see someone

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): natural remedies and the evidence behind them

How is your SAD showing up most this season?

The classic winter slump - oversleeping, sluggish mornings, and carb cravings that lift when days get longer

Blue Light Therapy

Vitamin D Deficiency

Tryptophan Deficiency

Mostly in my head - negative thoughts, hopelessness, or feeling stuck in a dark loop

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

St. John's wort

A flat, heavy mood - low energy, no spark, and little motivation to do anything

L-tryptophan

Music Therapy

DU20 (Baihui) - Governing Vessel 20

Tryptophan Deficiency

What kind of help feels right for you this winter?

I'd rather build simple daily habits at home - morning light, acupressure, or mood-lifting music

Blue Light Therapy

Music Therapy

DU20 (Baihui) - Governing Vessel 20

I'd rather work with a professional - structured therapy or guided sessions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Music Therapy

I'd rather get to the root of it - check whether low vitamin D or tryptophan is dragging my mood down

Vitamin D Deficiency

Tryptophan Deficiency

I'd rather try something I can take - herbal or nutritional supplements for winter mood

L-tryptophan

St. John's wort

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