Your sleep problems SORTED

Get to the root of what's ruining your rest and fix it, for good!

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Missing out on a decent night's sleep can leave you feeling tired and irritable, but it also has long-term effects on health. 'Increased sensitivity to pain, lower immune function, higher risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as a greater risk of chronic diseases and Alzheimer's, are among the downsides of poor sleep,' says nutritionist and wellbeing expert Alison Cullen from A. Vogel.

Ready to find out what might be keeping you awake at night? You can then make the right tweaks to boost your sleep quantity and quality and, in turn, improve your body and mind.

Waking in the night

It’s normal to stir several times, but it’s the inability to get back to sleep that’s problematic. Common reasons include stress, pain or discomfort and fluctuating hormones during the menopause, which can result in hot flushes and night sweats.

TRY TO:

* DRINK PLENTY THROUGHOUT THE DAY

Mild dehydration is one of the biggest triggers to waking, so try drinking around two litres of water a day. If you wake needing to go to the loo, restrict fluids for two hours before bed.

* KEEP COOL

'Up to 85% of women experience hot flushes during the menopause, which can disrupt rest,' says sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan. Light, cotton nightwear and bedding can help reduce menopausal night sweats.

* CHANGE YOUR SLEEPING POSITION

The healthiest position is on your side, with your head, neck and spine aligned.

Trouble drifting off