How to cope with long winter nights when the clocks go back
Summary
The article discusses how people in the UK cope with longer nights during winter, especially as the clocks go back. It highlights the impact of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which affects over a million people in the UK, and outlines ways to manage its symptoms, including the use of light therapy.Key Facts
- When clocks go back, parts of the UK, like Scotland's northern isles, experience very short days with only about six hours of daylight.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of seasonal depression that becomes more common during winter months due to shorter daylight hours.
- SAD can cause symptoms like low mood, irritability, and sleepiness during the day.
- Professor Norman Rosenthal first identified SAD in the early 1980s and introduced light therapy as a treatment.
- People in rural areas or on islands might find winter more challenging due to limited access to support.
- In Orkney, therapeutic lamps and resources are provided to help people cope with SAD.
- The resources include 'Wintering Well' boxes with lamps, activity guides, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) materials.
- Learning from Scandinavian countries, a focus is placed on creating cozy and comforting interior light environments to help manage SAD.
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