7-12 Are you fighting fatigue?

✣ Do you clock up hours in bed, yet still feel tired? Sounds like ‘microawakenings’ are messing with your sleep cycle. Even people who believe they are great sleepers wake briefly at the end of each sleep wave, explains sleep expert James Wilson (beingwellfamily.com).

✣ Earplugs and an eye mask will help to block out disturbances, and try to avoid alcohol. Researchers found that moderate drinking before bed reduces sleep quality by 24%*.

✣ Sleep apnoea may also be to blame. This condition, which leads to snoring and gasping, is more common post-menopause, but not everyone knows they suffer. ‘A red flag is exhaustion, despite having eight hours sleep, or pounding headaches,’ says James. It can be treated on the NHS, but side-sleeping and using a mouth guard helps. Talk to your GP if you’re concerned.