Holidays are not only great fun, they are also good for us! Taking time to relax and enjoy the company of your family and friends benefits both your physical and mental health. As an added bonus, these positive effects on our wellbeing last long after the holiday has ended.

A summer break is the perfect time for unwinding – to rest and rejuvenate with great company or a good book. Holidays offer an opportunity to reduce stress, strengthen relationships, increase activity levels and, of course, to sleep more. What could be better than a relaxing holiday siesta?

While afternoon naps, staying up late, catching up with friends and being enticed by delicious food and wine are all upsides of time off, these luxuries can also wreak havoc with a regular sleep routine. To maximise your holiday advantage and avoid the post-holiday crash and burn, try these tips to minimise the impact of these sleep disrupting temptations.

• Where possible try to maintain your regular sleep schedule. You can’t bank sleep and a long sleep in, as fabulous as it is, will not remedy a late night.
• Take advantage of your holiday surrounds and explore on foot. It’s a great way to discover the area and the extra exercise will help you sleep.
• Make lunch your main meal for the day and enjoy a lighter meal in the evening. Avoiding alcohol later in the evening will also improve your sleep quality.
• Take your favourite pillow or teddy away with you. This will offer comfort if an unfamiliar bed makes it difficult to fall asleep.
• Summer heat can linger long into the night. Choose cool, natural fibres for your bedding and bed clothes and use a fan or air conditioner to keep your bedroom cool and comfortable.