University of Glasgow to donate ‘sunlight lamps’ to local libraries

Residents in East Dunbartonshire are set to become the first in Scotland with the chance to bring some extra sunlight into their homes this winter.

Once the clocks go back on Sunday October 27th, the lamps will become available to library visitors in the region to borrow for 4-week periods.

Specially designed to recreate the same physiological conditions found in natural sunlight, the devices ensure sunlight is less rare during long dark winters.

The initiative is the latest development in an ongoing research project into the mental and physical effects of long dark winters called ‘Living with SAD.’ The project is being led by academics from the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, it is supported by East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust (EDLCT).

What is ‘SAD’?

SAD-or ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’-is a seasonal depression, most commonly manifesting during the months between December and February. It is normally characterised by a persistent low mood, difficulty concentrating, irritability and weight gain alongside other disruptive symptoms.

Although the condition is often difficult to diagnose, more than a million people in the UK and around 12 million people across Northern Europe suffer from the condition each year.

The main cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder is not entirely known; however, it is believed to be related to the lack of sunlight during winter months. Various medical interventions are available to treat the condition: ranging from medication and counselling to ‘light therapy’.

Wintering Well

The project hopes to better provide tools to those suffering with SAD, who often find it challenging to find social or medical support. The lamps will be accompanied by other useful materials in ‘Wintering Well Boxes.’ Inside, visitors can find other information on SAD, a book, activities and free access to an online course about living with the condition developed by the researchers.

In total, 100 of the boxes will be made available across the four locations: The William Patrick Library in Kirkintilloch, Milngavie, Lennoxtown and Bishopbriggs libraries will all initially take part in the trial. Researchers are hoping to expand the trial to communities across the country next year if the study produces promising results: "We are working with the libraries to see if their loan users to find out how this scheme helps. " Said Professor Hester Parr of the University of Glasgow. "If it looks like they have really found a benefit in that, then we are going to work with Scottish Libraries to see how we can roll this out across Scotland" said Parr.

The research team hopes this will be the first stage of practically implementing their research. Professor Parr went on to say: "We have really big ambitions for this, nobody should feel SAD during the winter."

The libraries will also play host to ongoing mini exhibitions composed of images of everyday experiences of SAD, which were created thanks to participants in the team’s Wintering Well workshops.

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