That time of year is looming again. As the calendar flips over onto September, groans of discontent echo around the country as the nation's children get ready for the new school year.

For parents, the challenge lies in preparing kids and getting them back into a healthy routine; and that includes a regular bedtime.

But why do children require good sleep patterns? How much sleep do kids need? How can you help them to get the required amount?

This guide is designed to help get your children back into a good routine, whilst also highlighting the importance of sleep for kids.

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Back pain affects many people in the UK, and there are a variety of reasons why it may occur. While there are several lifestyle changes you can make to improve your back health, did you know that the very place where you relax in the evenings or at the weekends could actually be making things worse?

That's right; when you wind down by watching TV on your sofa or reading the newspaper in your favourite armchair, you may actually be doing more harm than good.

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We're a funny bunch, us Brits. If we're not complaining about the lack of a summer, we're moaning that it's too hot.

In fairness, while the weather of late has produced some blistering temperatures, it does present a number of difficulties. One of the biggest problems people have faced is sleep. Just how do you get a good night's rest when it's so humid and warm?

Well, aside from pitching up a tent in your back garden as part of a drastic plan to escape the furnace that is your bedroom, there are a few steps you could try to make things more comfortable at night.

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After a hard day at work or a busy weekend, there are few things we enjoy more than sliding into bed and drifting off to sleep. And if you're really tired, it's not difficult to enter the land of nod.

But what about if you struggle to fall asleep? Spending the night tossing and turning is one of the most frustrating experiences, and can actually make the situation worse; the more you move, the less able to sleep you feel.

But there are some steps you can take to make your bedroom a more sleep-friendly place. So how can you create the perfect sleeping environment and practice healthy sleeping habits?

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When you come to buy a mattress, it might not be as straight forward as you think. There are a number of different options available, as well as many extra features that you might not understand.

Although a good quality mattress can be a significant initial investment, they are built to last several years. In fact, when the cost is spread over the mattress' lifespan, it could work out at as little as three pence per night. You won't get a night in a luxury hotel room for that money!

It's such a big decision that we've decided to put together this mattress buying guide to help your decision making process.

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