'It's so good for you': Prue Leith shares the daily health hack she relies on at 86

When you live a busy life, it can be hard to wind down — and that’s bad news for your health, particularly as we get older. Studies suggest that feeling stressed can, over time, accelerate ageing and cognitive decline as the body stays in a ‘fight-or-flight’ state, leading to sustained high levels of cortisol and inflammation. So how does Dame Prue Leith manage to protect her health, stay energised and fulfil all her commitments in her mid-80s?

Easy. She says: ‘I have a sleep every afternoon. A wonderful thing about being old is that nobody thinks it odd that you need a nap in the afternoon.’ And, she adds, she doesn’t just prioritise a siesta on her days off.

‘It’s very funny – even when I’m filming, on the call sheet it says: “talent’s nap”, and the talent goes upstairs and has a short sleep,’ says Prue, whose new book, Being Old And Learning To Love It!, is out now. ‘Filming of Cotswold Kitchen is in my own kitchen, which is immediately underneath my bedroom. So when it’s “talent’s nap”, I go upstairs and kip and everyone else has to shut up – they’re not allowed to gossip loudly because they keep me awake!

‘Sleeping is good for you. I can sleep at any time – one of the reasons I’m so well is because I can sleep eight hours a night every night. If I’m tired, I can lie down and sleep anywhere.’

Numerous studies have proved Dame Prue right. Consistently getting a good night’s sleep not only helps brain function, it also strengthens immunity and increases cell repair – and feeling more alert can even lower the risk of falling. Time to hit snooze!