There's no doubt we feel better after a good night's sleep - but did you know that getting your beauty sleep is one of the best anti aging treatments of all time. 

For any woman over 40 a good night's sleep is an anti aging must-have.  It's not called beauty sleep for nothing. 

When you're asleep all the cells in your body repair and recover. Daily stress ages your face and body because of the release of cortisol and the increase of bad neurotransmitters like norepinephrine.

For an effective anti aging routine you need a regular release from the daily effects of stress. So - it's true - as your mother probably told you - you need your beauty sleep.

When you sleep soundly your body releases growth hormone - and for growth hormone read youth hormone - the stuff of anti aging supplements. During sleep, your body also releases melatonin, which has incredibly positive effects on your skin and your immune system. 

So - how do you make sure you get your beauty sleep?  Here's our eight top tips to make sure you sleep soundly like a baby:

Avoid alcohol in the late evening before you go to bed. A glass of wine may make you feel pleasantly sleepy but the alcohol pumps norepinephrine into the system which can excite your system and cause you to wake in the wee small hours. You've probably experienced that after drinking at a dinner party or a night out. Now you know why. Stay off the alcohol if you want a good night's sleep.

Avoid caffeine in any form - you probably already know that. But don't forget - it's not just the coffee. If you are sensitive to caffeine take your favorite drink in de-caffeinated form. Or try a gentle fruit or herbal tea or just good old water last thing before bed.

No sweets before bed time. You may have heard that before too - or even said it to your children. Well as far as beauty sleep is concerned this bit of old-fashioned advice is right on the nail. High blood sugar interferes with growth hormone production which is essential to look younger for longer.

Stay calm before bed time - avoid intense "discussions" with your partner or any activity that stimulates brain activity levels. Try to empty your mind of the details from your day.

Build in some time at the end of the evening to relax and wind down.  Spend time taking off make up and preparing for bed.  Don't rush - enjoy the time you're spending just on you.

Create a bedroom haven. Clean sheets, fresh flowers, low lighting and a perfumed candle or two, create an atmosphere that makes you look forward to going to bed. Sorting through the muddle of crumpled clothes to find your bed is not a good way to start a night's sleep.

Make sure you take physical exercise and get some fresh air during the day. Another simple tip that your mother probably told you. Exercise releases feel good endorphins into your bloodstream and raises your mood for a long time afterwards. Physical tiredness will cause you to sleep soundly and well.

Take a deep relaxing bath and float away the stresses of the day with a bath pillow, your favorite scented bath essence and some candles.

So that's it - simple practical tips to help you get your beauty sleep every night of your life.