London named third SAD-est city in the UK as winter time approaches

The winter season isn’t always popular among the UK residents, and with it now creeping upon us, we can see searches for the term “Seasonal Affective Disorder” beginning to climb up again, before peaking around mid November.

A new survey commissioned by online retailer AO.com has crowned London the third SAD-est city in the UK. According to the results, almost half (47%) of the capital admitted to having suffered from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), 30% of whom had suffered more than once.

The symptoms of SAD have even impacted Londoners working lives, having put over half (56%) of Londons suffers out of work for at least a day. So what symptoms are they suffering from the most?

• Feeling lethargic and sleep during the day – 29%
• A persistent low mood – 26%
• Craving carbs and gaining weight – 25%
• Sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up – 25%
• Irritability – 21%
• Feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness – 21%
• A loss of pleasure or interest in everyday activities – 19%

Sleep expert for Silent Night Dr Nerina Ramlakhan said: “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is characterised by persistent low mood, irritability, and feeling sleepy during the day. At its worst, the disorder is treated with antidepressants and UV light therapy but in milder cases, small lifestyle changes like getting a good night’s sleep, eating right and spending more time outside can be incredibly effective.”

The editorial unit