Hibernation Nation

Recent research reveals that Brits are letting life pass them by as they take refuge under their duvets and are struck by daytime tiredness later in the day.

In 2007 Dr Stanley revealed that seven out of ten Brits were suffering from low grade exhaustion, or 'semisomnia'. Dr Stanley feels that we are becoming a hibernation nation as sleep deprivation causes people to lack the energy needed for a productive working life and a busy social life.

In an effort to help Brits beat the snooze and to get back to feeling their best again Dr Neil Stanley offers some advice:

• Try to go to bed and get up at a regular time. Our bodies respond better to regular sleep patterns.
• We need to prepare for sleep just as we warm up for exercise. Try to spend at least 30 minutes at the end of the evening winding down.
• Personalise your wind-down and take time to discover what helps you to relax and unwind, whether it's reading a good book or drinking a hot milky drink.
• Make a distinction in your routine and surroundings between 'sleep' and 'awake'. Reserve the bedroom for sleep only and go to bed only when sleepy.
• Limit alcoholic drinks to one or two in the evening as alcohol can actually disturb sleep patterns.

Put your feet up and browse the Horlicks website for a few minutes longer to find out more about semisomnia and how winding down effectively could help you get a better night's sleep tonight.