推荐阅读-Are you losing sleep?

Sometimes it can be hard to switch off when you're stressed out - but don't despair! There are things you can do to ensure a better night's sleep...

Getting a good night's sleep can be a real problem when you're working hard. You close your eyes and your brain wakes up - and then you lie in bed awake for hours wishing you could fall asleep.
Ideally you should be getting between 7-8 hour sleep a night. Ideally teenagers should get 9 hours sleep but that won't always be possible. Sleep is an essential part of our lives and is necessary for us to function well. If you want to be on top form in an exam then it's essential you get a good night sleep.
Top tips for stress-free sleep:

• Stop your revision a good hour before you want to sleep - Your brain needs time to switch off and unwind.
  
  
• Do some exercise; it's a great way to reduce stress levels and tire you out to help sleep.
  
  
• Don't eat a heavy meal too close to going to bed or your body will not be able to relax, because it will still be digesting the food.
  
  
• Avoid caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee, or cola after 6pm.
  
  
• Have a milky¹ drink. It contains a chemical called tryptophan which is an essential component² of the body's sleep mechanism³.
  
  
• Sleep in complete darkness or as close to it as you can; that way there is less to distract your eyes.
  
  
• Wear socks to bed. Due to the fact they have the poorest circulation in the body they can often feel cold when you go to bed.
  
  
• Try counting sheep - it sounds boring, but that's the whole point! Focusing your mind on a mundane⁴ task will stop you from worrying about your work.
  
  
• If you really can't get to sleep, don't panic - it won't help. Get up and do something monotonous⁵ like filing some notes or folding clothes.
  
  
•   If you can't sleep the night before an exam, don't worry. The odd night without sleep will not be devastating⁶, because the adrenaline will see you through.