Problems with sleeping can be solved simply by adjusting your lifestyle, Dr Yuan says. Sleeplessness in menopause is caused by the natural descent of energy and blood, and may need dietary therapy or medication.

Regulating your biological clock is a first step. Try going to bed before 11pm to guarantee at least seven hours' sleep.

Research also shows that a bedroom with a temperature set at 18-20 degrees Celsius and 60-80 percent humidity in southern cities like Shanghai provides the best environment for the yang energy to enter the yin.

A few mild physical exercises like casual walking can help sleep but intense physical exercise only makes things worse. And of course, do not eat too much before sleeping.

Dr Yuan insists that you empty your mind the moment you take off your day clothes. Do not go over what you have been doing during the day and don't go over your plans for tomorrow. These are bad habits for people with sleep problems.

Chrysanthemums in the room can help relieve sleeplessness caused by the stagnation of liver energy while lavender can help sooth nerves. Just make sure that you are not allergic.

Half lying on your right side is the best position for sleep as it guarantees energy and blood will flow through your body and the sound of your heart beating will not be heard through the sheets.

Dr Yuan suggests fat people avoid lying on their backs in case their airways are put under pressure, and patients with heart disease should avoid lying on their left sides to avoid putting pressure on their hearts.

Sleeping positions

Good sleeping positions ensure energy and blood flow during sleep, and guarantee the efficient replacement of blood and energy. It is natural for people to change position during sleep but try not to stay in the bad positions.

Lying on your back is bad: Your tongue drops back in your throat if you lie on your back and this may block your air passages. This may lead to snoring or difficulties in breathing, especially for fat people. Choking can occur as saliva can flow into your air passages.

Lying on your chest is bad: Your heart will be put under pressure with your weight. It also obstructs the energy and blood circulation throughout the body. It is forbidden for fat people and patients with heart disease.

Lying on one side is bad: Your own weight obstructs energy and blood circulation on the side you rest on. Though it may not be a big problem at first, stagnation of energy and blood problems occur when this position becomes your regular sleeping position. Thrombosis can affect people with this habit especially if they also have problems with hardened arteries.

Half-lying on one side is good: This guarantees energy flows during sleep and relaxed muscles.

(Shanghai Daily March 3, 2009)