We all deal with stress differently. Our ability to cope can depend on our genetics, early life events, personality, and social and economic circumstances.

When we encounter stress, our body produces stress hormones that trigger a fight or flight response and activate our immune system. This helps us respond quickly to dangerous situations.

Sometimes, this stress response can be useful: it can get us through fear or pain so we can run a marathon or deliver a speech. Our stress hormones will usually go back to normal quickly once the stressful event is over, and usually have no lasting effects.

However, too much stress can cause negative effects. It can leave us in a permanent state of fight or flight, leaving us overwhelmed or unable to cope. Long term, this can affect our physical and mental health.

We think that having a power nap will make us more productive- but in fact it has the opposite effect. It is important to have a good nights sleep, this is vital in helping the body heal and repair the heart and blood vessels and gives the organs a chance to rest and restore.

Regular poor sleep puts you at risk of serious medical conditions including obesity and diabetes. Lack of sleep is worse and suppresses the immune system making you vulnerable to infection and metabolic and hormone changes.