The winter blues are something we all know about. Dark evenings and cold mornings can make even the chirpiest among us feel a bit down in the dumps.
For some people, though, the effects are debilitating. In the most serious cases Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can even trigger severe depression.
This winter the Dana Centre at London’s Science Museum is giving adults a chance to try out its revolutionary Light Lounge. Open from January 9-13 2006, the lounge will allow visitors to try out light therapy for free.
Kat Nillson, the Dana Centre Programmes Manager, said: “SAD is thought to affect more than half a million people in the UK.”
“We wanted not only to debate the issue," she said, "but offer people who may be suffering from SAD the chance to test out one of the most popular treatments available.”
Visitors will be able to relax with a drink and a snack in the adults-only bar and café, which is dedicated to discussing contemporary science, before relaxing and enjoying a 20-minute session of free light treatment.
The Dana Centre has become a hub of adult discussion on science topics. Courtesy Dana Centre.
Light therapy has become a popular way of relieving the symptoms of SAD but new research in the United States has found that there may be more effective methods to help banish the winter blues.
The Light Lounge will contain four specially designed light boxes and a circular sofa where visitors can relax in an ambient environment.
Richard Brook, chief executive of mental health charity MIND, said: “Unfortunately for many people the dark winter months bring on symptoms such as various degrees of depression, sleep problems, lethargy and fatigue.”
“Light therapy is one of the things Mind recommends to treat SAD – but lightboxes can be expensive," he went on. "It’s great that the Dana Centre is making this therapy available for people to try for free.”
The Light Lounge event will also help people learn about the disorder and find out why light can help people who are suffering from depression.
“SAD is believed to be due to the brain and body not getting enough light,” explained Kat Nillson.
“To compensate, the body produces more melatonin, the hormone that makes us sleepy at night. There’s also a reduction of seratonin, the lack of which causes depression.”
The Light Lounge is just the latest in a series of exhibitions and events that tackle modern and sometimes controversial science issues.
Other forthcoming events include a workshop on improving body language followed by a Valentine’s speed-dating evening and a talk that will reveal how lab-grown human tissue is used to create jewellery.
For more information about Seasonal Affective Disorder visit www.mind.org.uk.
