Saturday, January 14, 2006. 9:33pm (AEDT)
SAD Londoners offered enlightening cure
Sun-deprived Londoners are flocking to a new cafe offering free light

By Kerri Ritchie in London

It seems that people in Britain are finally seeing the light.

Doctors there are recognising that people feel miserable at this time of year because of the shortage of sunlight.

It is estimated around five million people are suffering from some form of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during winter.

The recognised mental condition can cause a range of symptoms from lethargy to severe depression.

It is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the area of the brain which controls mood, appetite and sleep; 80 per cent of cases can be treated by exposure to bright light.

Now a new cafe in London claims to offer a cure for the wintertime blues.

At London's Science Museum the cafe has just opened where, along with their latte, customers receive a free, 20-minute light treatment.

Specially designed boxes on the wall make the room about half as bright as Bondi Beach on a summer's day.

"I definitely feel better, a lot more on the ball, a lot more with it," said one visitor after a session.

Many of those battling SAD say light therapy has transformed their lives.

"The light deals with the whole syndrome, the slow-downness," said SAD Association founder, Jennifer Eastwood.

Doctors are divided as to whether SAD is an actual condition or just a severe form of winter blues.

But for Australians in London, more used to sunshine and swimwear in January, the light lounge is a much cheaper option than a flight home.

"In Australia, even in winter people have a smile on their face, it's just really bad," said one Australian tourist.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is at its peak in February; not surprisingly, the cafe is already booked out.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200601/s1547656.htm