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Why does light make such a big difference?

1890 Views 14 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  something6789
I feel almost normal during the day, especially when it's sunny... I have many hours where I don't notice my dpdr...

But the thing is... literally as the sun sets or the moment it starts getting dark... it's like someone flipped a switch & the DR kicks in like crazy even though I felt almost normal the whole day.

Also it makes a big difference if the sun is out or if it's a bit darker outside than usual due to weather?

Does anybody understand the mechanism behind that?

As far as I know DP is associated with high levels of serotonin... maybe this has something to do with it as it's very much connected to the circadian cycles.

What are your thoughts on this?
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I feel almost normal during the day, especially when it's sunny... I have many hours where I don't notice my dpdr...

But the thing is... literally as the sun sets or the moment it starts getting dark... it's like someone flipped a switch & the DR kicks in like crazy even though I felt almost normal the whole day.

Also it makes a big difference if the sun is out or if it's a bit darker outside than usual due to weather?

Does anybody understand the mechanism behind that?

As far as I know DP is associated with high levels of serotonin... maybe this has something to do with it as it's very much connected to the circadian cycles.

What are your thoughts on this?
It's not for certain whether DP is caused by too much serotonin -- or perhaps, too little dopamine. But the fact that your DP changes at night could be a sign of something else which may help you find the source of your DP.

You could be right about the circadian cycles and if that is the case, you should consider a sleep study in order to see what changes occur within your brain while you sleep.

There is definitely a strong link between disrupted sleep cycles and short-term DP. However, for long term DP the case may be a prolonged sleeping disorder which has been going on for years!

Whatever the case may be, go see your doctor. Another user pointed out S.A.D but you didn't mention you have any mood disorders so I"m not sure whether that is the case.
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