Anyone else feel like they might have SAD?

So, after moving to Belfast I definitely noticed a change in my sleeping patterns, specifically in the past couple of months.  I used to be able to wake up at the exact same time every morning around 7am and being in Alabama, our daylight swings weren't nearly as drastic as they are here.  I've noticed myself being a bit more lazy, just tired at times and sleeping nearly 10 to 11 hours a night at times!  And even then I don't want to get out of the bed because I'd rather sleep.  Thus, I've self-diagnosed as having Seasonal Affective Disorder.  Now whether this is really what's going on is up for debate. 
Has anyone else had an experience like this after moving to the UK and what are some easy (and CHEAP!) remedies that you think might work?

Get yourself a SAD Lamp.

I've been taking Vitamin D supplements with calcium and I just started taking a B complex vitamin. I've found that this really helps with my energy levels. Although, it could also be because the days are starting to get longer and I'm happy about it!

Coming from Florida, I definitely had the same problem as you, Daniel. It really does happen. I've never tried a SAD lamp, but others here have reported success with them. It seems worth a shot.

it could also be because the days are starting to get longer and I'm happy about it!

I was *ridiculously* cheerful all weekend and couldn't really figure out why until I looked up and realized I'd spent the last two days moving around the flat from sun-spot to sun-spot.  Even the pouring rain today hasn't totally messed it up. Hooray for lengthening days! (also, B vitamins huh? I already take the D/calcium, will have to look into those).

I got a Philips SAD lamp around Christmas time as I just could not pull myself out of bed and was generally miserable.  I really like it and both my BF and I have noticed it helping.  One of my coworkers also got the same one around the same time and she loves it too.

I used a SAD lamp for a circadian rhythm sleep disorder in just the same way that it is prescribed for SAD.  It was a lifesaver.  I was at the point of losing a job b/c I couldn't get out of bed in the morning.  This really turned things around for me and helped me regulate my sleep patterns.

I went and got some Vitamin D and a Vitamin B complex yesterday, so hopefully those will increase my energy levels somewhat.  Unfortunately we haven't had much sun here in Belfast lately, but as soon as we do and it's my day off work, I may bear the cold and spend some time outside.  Until I can afford a SAD lamp, that's going to have to be the best remedy!

I went and got some Vitamin D and a Vitamin B complex yesterday, so hopefully those will increase my energy levels somewhat.  Unfortunately we haven't had much sun here in Belfast lately, but as soon as we do and it's my day off work, I may bear the cold and spend some time outside.  Until I can afford a SAD lamp, that's going to have to be the best remedy!

Yeah, I sit by the window most of the time and if it's sunny I make a point of going out at least for a little while. I hope the vitamins help!

I moved from Australia to the UK early January, and have been having huge problems with fatigue. I brought some vit D, and multivitamins the other day ... I hope they start fixing things for me.

oh dear, I always thought SAD had something to do with well, I guess sadness or a depressed feeling from the gray dark skies, I guess I never really thought about it.  I have been wondering why I am so damn tired ALL the time here.  I will run out tomorrow and get Vit D and B, hopefully it helps. 

Certainly the upswing in my mood over the past few days with the sunny weather has led me to think that I may have had a touch of S.A.D. over the past few months. It's so hard to separate things out, but the grim weather can't have been helping me much...

I moved to the UK from Minnesota where I spent MONTHS inside because of the cold winters. I used to get SAD there so when I moved here I was grateful for the warmer winters! I now try to get outside for at least 20 mn, but usually I go on a 40 minute walk. When I do that consistently I dont get SAD and I feel fitter and just all round better! The long dark days of winter do get me down, and its really important to get that fresh air and daylight.

http://michelloui.blogspot.com

I agree with Michelloui.  Winter 2008/09 I went for walks as much as possible, rain or shine, and I never noticed that I got SAD.  But this year I've been working full time far form home and with the commute and work I haven't had time to walk much or spend as much time outside and I have definitely noticed a massive difference.  I was sooooooo depressed this last Winter.  I think the combination of exercise and the UV really helps (even though the UV-B rays don't go through cloud cover).  Thank goodness the Summer is on its way!

Here's a really, really good, informative article on Vitamin D for those interested.  It's a bit long though so grab a cup of tea or coffee before you start it: http://www.worldwidehealthcenter.net/articles-239.html