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It?s been a long summer of unstructured days, late nights and lazy mornings for many Canadian families. With a return to reading, writing and arithmetic just around the corner, it?s time to get back on the academic track before the first day of school?and this means more than shopping for school supplies. 
To help kids start the school year strong, it?s important to ensure that they?re getting a good night?s sleep. Studies show that children and teens who clock enough zzz?s pay more attention in class and demonstrate better behaviour, learning and memory, according to Johns Hopkins All Children?s Hospital. What?s more, adequate, restful sleep can also improve children?s physical health and emotional wellbeing. In contrast, sleep-deprived kiddos may find it harder to concentrate for long periods of time and are more likely to struggle with verbal creativity, problem-solving and emotional regulation. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends nine to 11 hours of shut-eye a night for five- to 13-year-olds, and eight to 10 hours for 14- to 17-year-olds. But according to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in four children aren?t getting enough sleep, and one in three struggle to fall or stay asleep.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help kids get the sleep they need to succeed in school. Read on for some tips you can use to help your kids start the school year on track 
Make sleep a back-to-school priority
To break your children?s addiction to late...