Wednesday 21 December is the darkest day of the year for us in the northern hemisphere. But from 22.47 on Wednesday evening the sun “turns”, and the days gradually get longer. Winter solstice Occurs on either 21 or 22 December The time of year when the northern hemisphere is farthest from the sun This day has the shortest day length of the year When the sun is in the south at midday, it is as low as it gets during the year Source: Wikipedia – More awake and concentrated Brighter days can have several positive effects, according to Lars-Petter Jelsness-Jørgensen. – The light reduces the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, which makes us feel more awake and concentrate better, explains Jelsness-Jørgensen. He is professor of health sciences and principal at Østfold University College. – The sun gives us significant health benefits because it activates vitamin D in the skin. It is associated with things such as reduced feelings of depression and can provide improvement in some who struggle with exhaustion. More health benefits: Professor of health sciences, Lars-Petter Jelsness-Jørgensen, says more light and sun can have more positive effects on us. Photo: Amalie Fagerhaug Evjen / news Vitamin D is also important for preventing fractures and osteoporosis, according to the professor. – We live in a part of the world where from late autumn to late winter we get a low level of active supply of vitamin D. That is why it is important to be in the sun when you have the opportunity, says Jelsness-Jørgensen. – Hugely positive – There is a lot of traction in the return of the light. It’s very positive, says psychologist Karen Kollien Nygaard. It is largely about how more light affects our hormonal balance, according to the psychologist specialist. – It affects our biology, which in turn affects our mood and mood, she says. It’s normal for things to fluctuate: Psychologist Karen Kollien Nygaard says it’s normal to be more depressed at this time of year. Photo: Privat She adds that it is completely normal to feel down or more tired in the times we are in now. – The darkness itself signals the body to calm down. But our working year does not match nature’s clock. While animals and the nature around us go to sleep, we continue as before and even gear up with Christmas stress, says Kollien Nygaard. For some, the darkest period can be extra heavy. According to Norwegian Health Information, it is believed that 5 to 10 percent of the population suffers from winter depression, also called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). – This means that you are more depressed at certain periods of the year. And the idea of ”getting together” doesn’t help with that, Kollien Nygaard explains. – One of the most important pieces of advice given to those struggling with it is to get out in the daylight, even when it’s cloudy. Several people also enjoy light therapy, she says. You can do this yourself Building up your stores of vitamin D during the sunnier times of the year is important for your health when you enter the darker time of the year, according to Professor Jelsness-Jørgensen. – This does not mean that you should lie on a sunbed day in and day out in the summer. Often 10-20 minutes in the sun is enough to take advantage of the positive effects of the sun and to activate the production of vitamin D. Despite the winter solstice – in the far north of the country, people still have to wait a while before they see the sun again. The northern limit for darkness at the winter solstice (by the sea and with a clear horizon to the south) in the northern hemisphere is 67.8 degrees north latitude, according to Store norske lexikon, writes NTB. While we wait for the sun and long light nights, the professor and psychologist specialist has several tips on how to feel better in the dark time: Spend time with people who give you energy Seek social activities that give you energy If you are deficient in vitamin D – take supplement For those who struggle more with more severe symptoms – seek advice such as light therapy or contact a doctor Move and be physically active Remember that rest is also important – Do not put all your trust in the sunlight. Sometimes the symptoms you have can be caused by things that require more advanced treatment, he says. Opposite in the south In Antarctica, solstice means the opposite of here in the north. Norwegian Andreas Persen works as an electrician at the Troll research station in Queen Maud’s land. The days are now getting shorter and shorter. – This is the brightest day of the year. There are few stars now in the summer since we have the midnight sun, he says. Bright December in the south: In this photo taken on 4 December, the midnight sun shines in Antarctica. Photo: Andreas Persen / Andreas Persen – Now we have fantastic light, and use it as much as possible and go on trips, says Persen. Even though it is now getting darker, he is still looking forward to wintering at the Troll station.
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This is how we are affected by longer and brighter days – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
