As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, many people notice their mood dipping. It is common to feel less motivated or crave more rest when winter settles in. But for some, these seasonal changes trigger something much deeper: seasonal affective disorder, often known as seasonal depression.

Depression is a vicious cycle. It has a way of feeling like a loop you cannot escape. The lack of energy and motivation often leads to pulling away from people and activities. That leads to more isolation, which deepens the sadness and fatigue, and the cycle continues. If you have ever felt stuck in that cycle, you are not alone. While depression can be stubborn, it is not unbreakable. Healing often comes in small steps.

When it comes to depression and sleep, the relationship tends to mimic a chicken-and-egg situation. It can be difficult to tell which one came first and which one followed.