It's snowing and nearing sunset outside, but step into the mock-tropics of Bronze Bay Tanning and it's almost enough to fool the mind.

Working in this warm, coconut-scented environment at 109 E. Grand River Ave. helps lift owner Sarah Munkacsy's spirits during the winter, when winter depression threatens to drag her down.

Dermatologists and psychiatrists recommend using full-spectrum lights for treatment, which don't contain harmful UV rays, but Munkacsy said she usually relies on a once-a-week visit inside a tanning booth.

"In the winter, I used to be on Prozac because I'd get so depressed," Munkacsy said. "Now, if I just tan once a week, it boosts my serotonin. But I don't abuse it."

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is thought to be associated with low levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain connected with mood changes. Low levels of serotonin can trigger depression.

SAD is also linked to high levels of melatonin, a chemical in the brain that regulates sleep patterns, and can augment sleepiness.

Winter's short days can increase melatonin and less-intensified sunlight can decrease serotonin.

"For me, it's almost like I feel tired more than anything," Munkacsy said. "I drink one cup of coffee per day, but it's the mental part of getting out of bed."

Symptoms of SAD include increased appetite and carbohydrate cravings, sleepiness, lethargy and decreased concentration, said Dale D'Mello, an associate professor of psychiatry at MSU.

It has been estimated that up to 50 percent of people who live above the 49th parallel — in places such as Alaska — are affected by SAD, said Dr. Michael Hunt, director of the consultation psychiatry program at Ingham Regional Medical Center. D'Mello said about 4 percent of all Michiganians have a form of SAD.

Ashley Elie, an interdisciplinary studies in social science and international studies senior, was diagnosed with seasonal depression last year. Having lived in California for 11 years, she said she was accustomed to warm, sunny days. Her family also lived briefly in Japan, and she lagged there during the cold months. Elie moved to Michigan four years ago.

"When it changes from fall to winter, I have no motivation to do anything," she said. "I get really depressed. I have a hard time going to class, getting homework done. I just want to sleep all the time. When the sky is grayer, I just feel worse."

On a scale of one to 10 of how she was feeling, she said she was a four.

"It's not easy right now because of all the snow, but I'm forcing myself out of bed, going to bed earlier to get more sleep in," Elie said. "It's different from day to day. There are days when I'm totally fine."

Light therapy, which involves sitting by a full-spectrum lamp for about a half hour each morning, is one of the most effective treatments, Hunt said. Medications like Wellbutrin and Zyban also can be used to treat SAD, he said.

Elie uses neither medication nor light therapy. She said she doesn't want to take medication because her depression is only seasonal. Lamps are too expensive, she added.

When she can afford to, Elie goes to the tanning booth.

"It's a quick fix," she said. "I deal with (SAD) every day on my own. I sit under a regular table lamp for a couple minutes; that sometimes works.

"If the weather continues to stay like this, I'm probably going to have to spend money (at the tanning booth) when I get my next paycheck. There's light, but it's just not bright enough to get me going very fast."

D'Mello, however, said tanning isn't the best way to deal with seasonal depression.

Letting light enter through the retinas is thought to be important for effective light therapy, D'Mello said.

Tanning salons usually require customers to wear goggles, as the UV rays can damage eyes.

"(A tanning booth) is not the right kind of light that's therapeutic for winter depression," D'Mello said. "(Full-spectrum) light is extremely bright. It's like standing in the middle of an open field on a sunny day at noon. It's equivalent to 10 milligrams of Ritalin — it's that much of a boost."

The Jackson-based company Full Spectrum Solutions Inc., sells a variety of these lamps. Joelle Kolhagen, the online store's marketing director, said it offers desk and floor lamps, which are popular because they don't look like typical therapy products. They can be used in homes and offices and are dimmable to function as regular lamp fixtures as well. The least expensive lamp begins at $159.

For some students, getting a golden glow is just what they need to brighten their days.

"(I tan) maybe once a week," said Sandra Leu, an education senior from California. "It makes me feel refreshed. I don't think (I have SAD), but Cosmo says I do."

No-preference freshman Megan Danahey also appreciates the elating effects of tanning. She frequents the booth two to three times per week.

"I go just to keep up with my color so I don't get too pale," she said. "I feel a lot better about myself. It's a personal choice. I'm not really worried about the effects later in life."

Lansing dermatologist Dr. Yuelin Xu said endorphins are released when tanning, which makes people feel happy. Because of this, it can become addictive.

Instead of tanning, those experiencing gloomy moods might be cured by getting outside more, Hunt said.

"People in the northern temperature climates, their average exposure to direct outside light is four minutes per day," he said. "Most people jump into their cars in the morning, work all day in an artificially lit environment, jump back into their cars and go home. Even increasing (sunlight exposure) by 20 minutes a day will help."

Staff writer Elizabeth Swanson can be reached at swans130@msu.edu.