The secret to why exercise is so good for mental health? ‘Hope molecules’

What we long suspected is now scientific fact: there’s a magic chemical connection between mood, strength and longevity, says scientist and writer Devi Sridhar

You snooze, you lose: why long naps can be bad for your health

A new study has linked siestas of 30 minutes or more with increased BMI and blood pressure. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid a little lie down

Failure to recognise ectopic pregnancy causing women’s deaths, says expert

Prof Marian Knight says action needed to improve diagnosis of condition in which fertilised egg implants itself outside womb

Pollen bomb! Six ways to fight hay fever this spring, from vitamin D to making new friends

Air pollution and the climate crisis are making pollen even more of a menace. Here’s how to stop your eyes itching and nose streaming

Should I worry about how much sleep I’m getting?

Late nights, early starts, nightmares, anxiety, children … there are so many things that can cut into our shut-eye. When does that threaten our health – and what can we do about it?

I thought therapy would bring me happiness – why does it feel more elusive than ever?

In the past few years I’ve been forced to confront my competing desires: the thrill of chaos or the comfort of security, says Megan Nolan

I’m a science factchecker and even I was overwhelmed researching pregnancy and baby advice

No wonder new parents are at sea over the conflicting information on everything from what to eat to the ‘best’ way to give birth

Tim Dowling: how can I make my blood pressure normal in a hurry?

My reading is so high I daren’t send it to our GP. And that’s before I’ve got stuck in traffic on the way to the surgery …

From scheduling sex to being selfish: 10 ways to improve intimacy

What should you do if things have cooled in the bedroom? Relationship therapist Peter Saddington reveals how to regain intimacy with your partner

When cancer and pregnancy intersect it is overwhelming in every way – we need better support

Pregnant people diagnosed with cancer feel isolated and even stigmatised. Oncology and neonatal teams must be able to coordinate effectively