Brookhaven Retreat Recognizes Positive Effects of Daylight Saving Time
Knoxville, TN (PRWEB) March 05, 2015 -- Soaking up sunlight is a natural way to fight stress and reverse depression. However, when the days are shorter in winter and darkness creeps in so early, individuals crave what they cannot have. Thankfully, Daylight Saving Time (DST) is here again, meaning most of the USA can “spring ahead” (as the expression goes) and set the clocks an hour later on Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m. to enjoy more daylight until November when the clocks “fall back” once again and lose an hour.
Brookhaven Retreat looks forward to the heightened moods, a rise in energy and more restful sleep during this time of year for their clients.
Sunlight exposure is crucial for avoiding vitamin D deficiency which research has linked to depression, among other issues. Additionally, sunshine helps regulate the circadian rhythm -- the 24-hour cycle that shuts down the production of melatonin (the hormone responsible for sleepiness) during the day and makes an individual tired when the sun goes down at night.
It stands to reason that the body’s serotonin levels, which regulate sleep, are lower in the winter. Research has shown that unhealthy sleep or not enough of it can lower energy levels, put a damper on moods, lower productivity and breakdown one's ability to communicate well or even concentrate.
Jacqueline Dawes, founder of Brookhaven Retreat says, “Sleep, depression and anxiety disorders are intertwined. Sleep is a basic need that can be tricky to regulate, especially in the presence of mental illness and addiction.”
Women in mental health treatment at Brookhaven Retreat have a greater benefit of treatment with regulated sleep cycles, meaning going to bed and waking up at the same times each day. With the onset of DST, these schedules are adjusted accordingly.
Dawes adds, “Sleep plays an intricate role for all people, but especially for those being treated for various disorders, which can be exacerbated by erratic sleep patterns. It’s important to get the right amount of sleep because too much creates other issues. Getting outside for an appropriate amount of time every day is also important for mental health. The more daylight we experience, the better we feel.”
About Brookhaven Retreat
Brookhaven Retreat is a women's treatment center nestled on a naturally beautiful 48-acre site secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It has helped hundreds of women across the United States overcome depression, trauma, anxiety, substance use and a range of other behavioral health challenges. Brookhaven’s Founder, Jacqueline Dawes, has predicated its gender-specific treatment on “healing emotional breakage” for women. In this way, she has established a sanctuary and a place where women can feel safe, secure and cared for by a staff of highly trained professionals.
Jessica Wirth, Brookhaven Retreat, http://www.brookhavenretreat.com, +1 865-357-3600, [email protected]
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