Danish Researcher Recommends Embracing Dark Winters as Winter Time Begins

Denmark switches to winter time this weekend. Clocks move back by one hour. Sunrise and sunset will arrive earlier. Long dark evenings will begin sooner. For many international residents, winter daylight changes are challenging.

Mette Hvass is a researcher at Aalborg University. She studies the effects of darkness. She says more artificial light is not always better. Too much outdoor light can harm humans and animals. Using less light can actually help people feel safer.

Aalborg University tested reduced lighting at an Aarhus light rail station. Researchers cut lighting at the station by 80 percent. Passengers reported feeling safer in lower brightness. The lower light allowed their eyes to see wider surroundings clearly.

Hvass does not suggest turning off all public lights. She encourages using light more thoughtfully. Darkness makes stars, planets, and the moon visible. Human senses like hearing and smell become stronger in darkness. Spending time outside after sunset helps your eyes adjust. Learning to appreciate dark evenings helps newcomers adapt to Scandinavian winter life. This advice was reported by news outlet CPH Post.