Summary
Imagine we’re in Scotland, where it feels like we’re living under a cozy, endless night blanket. But don’t worry, the Winter Solstice – the shortest day of the year, happening on December 21, 2024 – is just around the corner, marking the beginning of longer days. It’s like a slow, steady sunrise, with each day adding an average of two minutes and seven seconds of daylight until we hit the peak of daylight on June 21, 2025. The lack of winter sunlight can sometimes make people feel like they’re stuck in a gloomy, cold cave due to a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but using a therapy lamp is like having a personal miniature sun at home, helping to lift the darkness.
Key Points
• The shortest day of the year, known as the Winter Solstice, is on Saturday, December 21, 2024. The sun will rise at 8.42am and set at 3.39pm in Edinburgh, resulting in just six hours and 57 minutes of daylight.
• After the Winter Solstice, days will gradually become longer. By January 12, there will be an extra hour of daylight.
• The Spring equinox, marking the start of Spring, will occur on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
• The clocks will go forward on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 1am, bringing an additional hour of sunlight during waking hours.
• The lack of sunlight in the winter months can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), with symptoms such as anxiety, apathy, and sadness.
Background
• The Winter Solstice, marking the shortest day of the year, is a phenomenon that occurs due to the Earth’s axial tilt away from the sun. This results in the least amount of daylight and marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons. It begins and ends at about the same times every year, with symptoms starting in the fall and continuing into the winter months.
Future Implications
• As the days start to lengthen after the Winter Solstice, the increase in daylight can help alleviate symptoms of SAD for some individuals.
• The transition into Spring and the subsequent clock change can impact people’s circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, requiring some time to adapt.
• Continued awareness and understanding of conditions like SAD are crucial for developing effective treatments and coping strategies.
