During teen years, DHEA is at its peak. That is why your skin looks supple and young. However, in your thirties, your responsibilities as a mom and a career woman could leave you overburdened. That is when your body uses DHEA to produce the stress hormone, cortisol.

For those of you who really find it difficult to get the required amount of sleep i.e. at least eight hours, here's what you can do.

• You are a new mom

If your infant keeps you up all night, try to get that sleep when she is sleeping. Avoid watching TV, doing chores, cooking etc. when he is sleeping.

You could also get some undisturbed sleep in the early morning. Ask your mother-in-law to watch the baby from about six to eight in the morning. If you live alone, ask your husband to spend those few hours with the baby before he leaves for work.

• You work late hours

If you stay late and are expected to come back early the next morning, you must make up for lost sleep the next day, and not three days later or over the weekend. That won't work. It just leads to further lethargy because your body gets into the deep sleep mode.