In 1982, Norman Rosenthal and his team published a description of Seasonal Affective Disorder - the SAD syndrome. SAD probably accounts for about 1 in 3 cases of depression. Many more, at least a third of the British population, show milder SAD symptoms. SAD usually starts between twenty and forty and women appear to be slightly more vulnerable. However, men, children, adolescents, middle-aged and elderly people suffer.
Light is important to all living things.
Nothing lives in dark caves. We all know that birds, animals, insects and plants stop growing or hibernate in the winter. Humans are a sophisticated animal so it is not surprising that many of us show a mild version of the hibernating behaviour of animals. At least 9 out of 10 people feel they eat and sleep more in winter and that the grey days and long nights leave them feeling a bit unhappy. This is a normal reaction .