Winter Darkness Depresses Many
Nearly half of Finns suffer from the seemingly enduring darkness of the winter period.
In an article in the Swedish-language daily Hufvudstadsbladet, National Public Health Institute Researcher Timo Partonen said that 40 percent of over 30-year olds suffer from symptoms such as fatigue and a craving for sweets during the winter.
Typical darkness-related depression afflicts just under one percent of over-thirties.
According to Partonen, use of bright lamps can help alleviate the symptoms, in 80 percent of cases.
The lamps should be used for a half hour each morning to help bring relief to persons who struggle during the winter.
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