Why do December, January and February seem such long difficult months to get through? More and more evidence points to the lack of sunlight in the Winter months resulting in a variety of health problems.

As far back as 1845, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) was recognised. It has always been known that animals alter their habits, behaviour and metabolism with the changing seasons, but less well known that humans too are affected by these changing sunlight patterns. It is not fully understood how lack of sunlight affects our moods but somehow it seems to affect the body's chemistry leading to a variety of symptoms including:

Overeating of carbohydrates and craving sugary foods leading to weight gain

Depression and the negative feelings associated with low mood

Anxiety

Irritability and tension

Lethargy leading to extreme fatigue and demotivation

Lack of libido

Sleep problems, either inability to sleep, early morning waking or difficulty waking in the morning

The above symptoms could lead to a lowered immune system, leaving sufferers more vulnerable to the common infections of the winter season. Some sufferers also exhibit bursts of manic activity during the Spring and Summer.

Those affected tend to be women in their 20's to 40's.

Help in the form of 'light boxes' is at hand. These specially designed light boxes provide up to 5-10 times the amount of light normally produced by domestic lighting. The light needs to shine directly into the eyes with

the sufferer sitting a short distance away and be exposed to the light for between 15 and 45 minutes daily. They can be effective in up to 85 per cent of cases and work relatively quickly.

The further away from the equator people live the more likely they are to suffer from SAD as the daylight hours are fewer. In Nordic countries with up to 20 per cent of the population suffering from SAD and worryingly high winter suicide rates, one solution has been to the open 'Light Cafes'. Illuminated by light boxes, café goers can socialise and enjoy the benefits of the 'light therapy' boosting their sense of well being.

Daily outdoor exercise has shown to be generally very helpful in alleviating symptoms, particularly when the sun is shining. Winter holidays in the sun are also recommended.

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