Your sleep dilemmas ...solved at last!

The singer looked sensational at the Vanity Fair Oscars party this week with her glowing skin, trademark smokey eyes and nude glossy lips. Use these products to get the look. FEELING tired all the time? You’re not alone.

A new study from AXA PPP Healthcare has revealed that over a third of Brits feel more exhausted at this time of year than any other.

But getting a good night’s sleep can be a struggle.

Here we answer some common sleep questions to help you get a better night’s rest... You could be a night owl. People tend to be divided into owls and larks. Owls are late to bed and late to rise whereas larks leap out of bed in the morning but tire in the evening.

Owls function best later in the day so can struggle with a 9am to 5pm work schedule.

Waking in the morning can be a challenge, as can staying awake during the after-lunch slump.

This often leads to an over-reliance on alarm clocks and caffeine.

In contrast, larks are able to work harder and more efficiently in the mornings but night shifts and socialising in the evening can be difficult.

Whether you are a lark or an owl is mainly genetic, so the key to success is to find a balance between the demands of your day and your natural wake/sleep cycle. Purchasing a mattress that is too small is a common mistake. Your mattress should be large enough to accommodate you (and your bed partner) and any movement that occurs during sleep. A mattress that is too firm can aggravate any back pain, while one that is too soft won’t provide enough support.

A medium-firm mattress is often recommended for good sleep, although it is always best to test different varieties. Yes. Sleep not only heals you on the inside but it also promotes a healthy and youthful appearance on the outside. During sleep, collagen levels are boosted and the circulation to the skin is enhanced. Your skin will become more hydrated and fine lines and wrinkles will soften. Getting the right amount of sleep will also keep your hair in good condition and reduce the risk of hair loss. Although between six and eight hours is considered the ideal amount of sleep, there are people who require more and people who can make do with less.

The right amount of sleep means that you wake up feeling refreshed and are able to function well throughout the day. Very little is known about why we yawn. It happens when we are tired, which may be because yawns are triggered by certain brain chemicals that induce sleep.

Some researchers suggest yawning acts as a reflex to increase the intake of oxygen when levels are low.

Others believe yawning strengthens and protects the lungs.

Nobody knows why yawning seems to be contagious but some ideas include empathy, imitation and an increased need for Post-lunch sleepiness is very common. Many of us are quick to blame what we had for lunch, or believe our digestive tracts are using all of the body’s energy to break down food rather than maintain our mental clarity. However, although eating a carbohydrate-rich meal can make matters worse, the food itself is not the underlying problem. The circadian clock – your body’s natural sleep/wake cycle – has a natural dip six or seven hours after we wake in the morning. Therefore it is natural to feel tired around this time. What can be done to offset this slump? Stepping outside for some fresh air and natural light or going for a short walk will help you regain your energy and focus. It’s also important to bear in mind that this tiredness usually doesn’t last long so your alertness and ability to concentrate will soon return. ■■Extracted by HANNAH BRITT from Sleep by Lisa Varadi (£7.99, Quadrille)

The circadian clock has a natural dip six or seven hours after we wake in the morning