Winter Siesta

Hi all,
a big part of my sad experience is feeling really tired in the afternoon post dinner period. My lightbox keeps me going for the morning and then crash-the post dinner slump hits me. Does anyone else experience this ? Or is it just me and my winter siesta ? im looking into diffrent types of snack that i can eat when this slump hits as unfortunatly its not always practical to sleep as my college teacher kindly reminds me. Please reply with your experiences and tips.

thanks dylan.

Depending on your circumstances a travel light box that you could store at college might be another idea; depending on whether you have time to use it at lunchbreaks or even in classes.

I suspect that if I'd have known that what I had was SAD, my college would probably have let me use my lightbox in class. I think they would have had to have it PAT tested (the electrical test where they stick a sticker on it and then come back the following year) but properly explained it would be ok.

It's a tricky one really because you need more light and food isn't really the answer. If you use any artificial stimulant (tea, coffee, chocolate, red bull) you'll pay for it later with a massive slump and sluggishness. It is only a temporary energy burst which disguises the tiredness. I'd say eat little and often. eat fruit (dried and fresh) in/between classes and certainly avoid carbo heavy stuff like crisps.
Taking a walk in your lunch break and trying to sit facing the window so some light can enter your eyes could help. And most importantly make sure your tutors know about your SAD.

I look back on my time at college and wish I had known what was wrong with me. I found it really hard to push myself. I did well and I'm proud of myself and actually even more so when I realise how ill I was.

take care

Bright One