Doctors' Notes: Light

Doctors' Notes: Light

From What's Up Docs? by BBC Radio 4

March 31, 2026 · 19 min · Episode 129

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of low light on individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder, featuring insights from Professor Hester Parr.

Chris and Xand continue their conversation about the sun's effect on our happiness with Professor Hester Parr, human geography and research lead of Living with Seasonal Affective Disorder. The doctors want to know how low light affects those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), how the disorder is viewed and what research is being done to help treat those with it, including that being conducted by Professor Parr. If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123. Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Professor Hester Parr Producer: Claire Justin Visual Producer: Leon Gower Executive Producer: Jo Rowntree Editor: Claire Justin Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable Social Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard Berry Composer: Phoebe McFarlane Sound Design: Melvin Rickarby At the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris van Tulleken, Xand van Tulleken

Guest: Professor Hester Parr

Topics covered

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • sun's effect on happiness
  • light therapy
  • human geography
  • mental health

Keywords

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • light
  • happiness
  • Professor Hester Parr
  • mental health research

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 4, Living with Seasonal Affective Disorder

More episodes of What's Up Docs?

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the What's Up Docs? podcast page.