Life Style

Scores of people struggle to fall asleep and get a restful night — so much so that new research reveals Britain is facing a national sleep crisis.Fresh data from soundcore reveals that 87 per cent of adults confess they find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. On average, UK adults manage just 6.5 hours of sleep a night – 1.5 hours less than the NHS-recommended 8 hours.Over a week, this amounts to a deficit of over 10 hours – equivalent to losing an entire night's sleep every single week. For most people, sleep is a priority: nine out of ten (90%) consider it crucial to their wellbeing, yet one in three (34%) are unhappy with the quality of their rest.The average Brit takes 30 minutes to drift off, with stress (49%) and screen time (27%) being the main reasons among those who st...

From hard and crunchy biscuits to soft chews, jerky strips, rawhide, dental sticks, table scraps, and bone-like treats, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to spoiling your furry companion. However, with so many choices out there, it can be difficult for dog owners to know which treats are actually good and which ones might do little for their dog. Now, one expert has shared the three dog treats he said he would "never give" his own dog, calling them "absolute garbage."Adam Spivey, Director and Head Trainer at Southend Dog Training, who offering dog training, grooming, and sell raw food, supplements, and equipment, took to TikTok to reveal his advice. In a video that’s racked up over 81K likes, Mr Spivey listed the treats he personally avoids, warning that some of his picks may...

If there’s one area of life we probably don’t pay too much attention to — it’s how we sit. Most of us don’t give a second thought to the position we adopt while we’re sitting.Cross-legged, one leg over the other, side sitting, legs stretched out — there are a myriad of positions one can sit in, however, there’s one position that is truly dangerous.A health expert is warning against crossing your legs while sitting for long periods of time, as the seemingly harmless position can put you at risk of developing a potentially life-threatening condition.Tristan Hulbert, Managing Director at Vivid Care, has issued a stark warning that crossing your legs whilst seated for extended periods could put you at serious risk of developing potentially fatal blood clots.The health specialist spoke exclu...

Many dog owners often share leftovers or scraps with their pets, either to treat them or to reduce food waste. While some human foods are harmless in moderation, others can be dangerous and, in some cases, even life-threatening to dogs. Although well-known dangers such as chocolate and grapes are commonly avoided, many pet owners may not know that other common food items are toxic for their pets. Experts at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, one of the UK’s oldest and most respected animal rescue centres established in London in 1860, have identified nine foods that should never be given to dogs. From macadamia nuts to seemingly harmless corn on the cob, this list includes some surprising items that could result in serious illness, emergency vet visits, or costly medical treatment if inges...

Dame Jacqueline Wilson, who is nearing her 80th birthday, continues to captivate readers with her poignant novels. Her latest offering, Picture Imperfect, is a sequel to the 1999 hit The Illustrated Mum.The story follows Dolphin, now aged 33, whose life has eerily mirrored parts of her mother's. Marigold, Dolphin's mother, continues to grapple with her bipolar disorder, leaving Dolphin to manage the fallout. But can she discover what truly brings her joy?To mark the book's release, an event was held at HOME Theatre, Manchester, where Jacqueline and Dani Harmer (yes, Tracy Beaker herself!) discussed the new novel.Naturally, the conversation veered towards Wilson's other works, including the one that Harmer brought to life through her stellar acting.Dani expressed her gratitude to Jacquel...

A report which surveyed 1,000 UK adults found many experience toilets or urinals that are unclean, have a lack of hand soap or toilet roll, or unpleasant spills or smells.But only 17% of washrooms always deliver on basic expectations. It also emerged 23% of Brits have spent less time at cultural or entertainment venues because of the state of the toilets. The survey, by hygiene brand Tork, also found many needs remain unrecognised in washroom maintenance and design, after polling 11,500 people in total, across 11 different countries.Olivia Slater for Essity, maker of Tork washroom products, which created the report, said: "These figures are even higher for those with certain physical or cognitive conditions.“While wheelchair users and those who are pregnant are especially concerned, the...

With autumn approaching, you might be tempted to snap up everything from pumpkin-spice candles to bonfire-scented diffusers - but proceed with caution. An animal expert has issued a warning to pet owners about carefully checking the ingredients in their seasonal purchases, as some could prove harmful or even toxic to animals.Dr Suzanne Moyes, an in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, said: "Many pet owners don’t realise that a lot of common cleaning products and other household items, such as candles, are toxic to pets, and pose a serious risk to their health."For example, things like candles, oil diffusers, and air fresheners can be severely damaging for all pets, but particularly to small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs."When it comes to air fresheners specifically, the main worry oft...

Building an effective skincare routine is no mean feat. Buying lots of different products can add up, and it's hard to know what works for a buyer's specific needs. That's why investing in a bundle of popular products is a great place to start, allowing shoppers to try out some different formulas to see what they'd like to repurchase.Now, shoppers can try a selection of fan-favourite Liz Earle products for less at LookFantastic. The Liz Earle Exclusive Cleanse & Plump Daily Routine is now £45.10 down from £82, which is a saving of 45%.Inside the three-piece skincare set, buyers will find a cleanser, a toner and a moisturiser - perfect for morning and evening use. The Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser is an award-winning formula with a rich cream texture that removes make-up an...

Certain coins can prove far more thrilling than others.This is because specific rare coins possess significant value, ranging from the microscopic detail in a £1 coin to a rare £10 banknote. Consequently, collectors are continuously encouraging Britons to examine their change for any concealed treasures.Now Instagram user @CoinCollectingWizard frequently shares the designs you should watch out for with his 30,900 followers.Recently, he wasted no time in alerting his fans to a 50p coin which bears an 'unusual mark' that renders it worth more than 90 times its face value. So do you possess this piece?Discussing the 2017 Sir Isaac Newton 50p, the expert proclaimed this piece is a "collector's gem".He said: "Released in 2017 as part of the UK's 'Innovations in Science' series, the Sir Isaac...

The square pendant carried a special engraving, with a heartfelt nod to her husband, Prince Harry.On the front was the letter “H,” while the initials “A” and “L” were said to be inside, representing their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.Although their jewellery collections reflect different tastes - with Kate favouring classic British craftsmanship and Meghan gravitating towards contemporary American labels, both royals turn to initial jewellery as a deeply personal way to express their devotion to family.It’s one of the rare overlaps in their distinct styles, a reminder of how motherhood continues to shape their fashion in subtle but meaningful ways.By wearing jewellery engraved with their children’s initials, both women show that even in the glare of royal life, famil...