Migraine and Seasonal Affective Disorder: Are They Connected?

People who live with migraine are predisposed to mood disorders like SAD due to genetics, neurotransmitter imbalances, and brain structure. Tracking symptoms and sunlight exposure can help.

As winter approaches, you may be preparing your home and your closet for the change in weather. But what about the mood changes that shorter, grayer days can bring?

Is it possible that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and migraine are connected? And if so, how?

Here’s what you can do to keep your mood up through the cold and frosty months — with SAD, migraine, or both.

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What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

SAD is characterized by low mood due to changes in weather and temperature. A reduction in light intensity and warmth from the sun leads to a reduction in serotonin and melatonin levels in the brain, as well as disruptions to the body’s circadian rhythm.

This dysregulation can lead to mood changes and, in some cases, SAD.

The symptoms of SAD can be similar to major depressive disorder (MDD). The difference is they happen as a result of seasonal changes.

Symptoms can include:

• a constant low mood
• lack of interest and enjoyment in everyday activities
• feeling irritable or easily annoyed
• feeling despair, worthlessness, or guilt
• feeling tired and sleepy
• sleeping for longer than usual
• difficulty getting out of bed in the morning
• craving carbs
• difficulty concentrating
• low sex drive

SAD and migraine

So, is there a link between SAD and migraine? The short answer is yes. It’s possible that the two are connected for a few reasons.

Brain hyperactivity

Some research suggests that people with migraine have hyperactive brains, which means they overreact to stimuli due to differences in their ability to regulate sensory input. This could potentially put them at an increased risk of depression due to changes in the limbic system and amygdala.

The depression and migraine link

Migraine and depression have a bidirectional relationship. One review reported that there’s a 40% to 50% association between migraine and depressive disorders.

The review authors also pointed to a 2014 study that noted migraine attacks can predict the onset of depression and that a subset of people with migraine and MDD may experience migraine as a symptom of MDD.

Serotonin regulation

Another mechanism behind SAD may be how the brain regulates serotonin receptors.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and hormone that sends signals between nerve cells. It performs a number of functions in the body, including stabilizing mood and regulating pain.

Serotonin is also a key player when it comes to migraine, as some serotonin receptors can mediate the pain response. For instance, triptans are a class of drugs used to treat acute migraine that mimics the action of serotonin.

How SAD can trigger migraine

SAD can act as a trigger for migraine in a variety of ways.

Firstly, the mood changes that SAD brings about can act as a direct trigger.

SAD can also trigger migraine indirectly. For instance, SAD might cause someone to oversleep or over or undereat. These behaviors can also be migraine triggers.

So how can you help yourself?

If you’re someone who has both SAD and migraine, there are some steps you can take to support yourself.

These include:

• regular exercise
• spending time on hobbies
• gently exposing yourself to sunlight when you can
• be aware of and track your symptoms and triggers
• remember that both migraine attacks and SAD are temporary

If you’re still having difficulty managing, talk with your doctor. They might be able to offer you treatments and therapies to help you through the winter months.

The takeaway

For a variety of reasons involving genetics, neurotransmitter imbalances, and brain structure, those who live with migraine are predisposed to mood disorders like SAD.

It’s important to be aware of this potential link so you can prepare to care for your mental health through the winter.