Finland experts advise on managing seasonal darkness fatigue

As daylight hours decrease in Finland, experts are advising citizens on how to combat seasonal darkness fatigue. Tiina Paunio, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Helsinki and chief physician at HUS, suggests that those sensitive to mood changes should begin preventative measures as early as mid-October.

Key recommendations for managing symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, sugar cravings, and weight gain include light exposure. Paunio suggests spending time outdoors during the morning hours whenever possible and using bright light lamps during darker days. For adults, a thirty-minute session with a bright light lamp during breakfast can be an effective routine.

Students and schoolchildren are encouraged to spend their breaks outdoors to maximize natural light exposure. For shift workers, maintaining a stable daily rhythm and ensuring sufficient sleep are critical factors in managing the impact of the dark season.