Home: Easy ways to brighten up winter rooms by day and night

As the winter solstice approaches, here are our uplifting hacks to brighten up even the darkest living space

When winter is too hard to face, try a Philips SmartSleep, wake-up light; From €120.

As we approach the winter solstice, short, dark days can get to anyone. For some of us, these oppressive doldrums can seriously impact mental health. Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is all too real, influencing the hypothalamus and upending the vital circadian rhythm vital for healthy sleep. 

Talk to your GP about any issues you may have, including the potential of a dedicated, super-bright daylight lamp (10,000 lux plus) for 30 minutes a day, and a daybreak alarm clock that replicates the soft, gathering sunshine of dawn. Then, try these universal hacks to lift that challenging outdoor gloom.