Dark days in Norway

OSLO, Norway, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- As daylight decreases, Norway's "dark time" is darker than usual this year, with little snow to lighten things up and no money to replace streetlights.

The weather over most of the country has been gloomy for weeks, with rain and heavy clouds darkening even the few hours of daylight, Oslo's Aftenposten newspaper reports.

Experts advise Norwegians to give in to an urge to hibernate.

"It's natural and healthy that we who live in Norway shift into low gear during the darkest time of the year," says social medicine professor Per Fugelli.

"Reconcile yourself with the fact that you are a bit more sad and tired these days," he advises. "It's all about our biorhythms, and in the spring, it will get better again."

Fugelli adds he thinks it is "dangerous" for people to "go around and be happy all the time."

Making matters gloomier, many Oslo streetlights are out and will not be replaced until January because the current year's budget is used up, the Hafslund utility says.