(originally published in The Telegraph Magazine 16th February 2008)
FITNESS TIP: There is a well-documented link between exercise and sleep, but it is important not to do anything too strenuous for a couple of hours before going to bed because your body needs time to cool down. One thing you can do is stretch. Stand in an open doorway and grip the door frame with both hands at shoulder height. Gently lean forward so that you feel the stretch across your chest. Hold for 30 seconds and release. Repeat three times. This stretch opens up the ribcage and straightens the spine, allowing you to breathe more easily. The idea is to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for slowing breathing and heart rate. The resulting feeling of calm and relaxation helps release feelgood hormones that allow us to drift of into a seamless slumber.