A lot of focus is spent ensuring that we exercise enough and eat the right type of food. These are obviously critical to a healthy lifestyle. But further reading has recently brought to my attention that there is a third aspect that needs careful consideration. Sleep.

This is just as important to our overall health as diet and exercise. Yet it gets nowhere near the same focus as the others. A poor night’s sleep can lead to many major health issues.

Our lives are increasingly busy and we battle to fit all we need to in a day. The result of this congested life is less sleep.

Whilst this is an issue, the greater problem seems to be the sleep we are getting is bad sleep.

There are a number of apps available for iPhone that monitor your sleep pattern and set off an alarm designed to wake you at the optimal time. It also keeps track of the amount of movements you make during the night. It is interesting to see that people move upwards of 80 times a night. And it is this restless sleep that is no good.

If we were to get a good night’s sleep we would be able to sleep less.

Some factors affecting sleep are alcohol consumption, caffeine, lack of exercise and importantly our beds.

I have noticed that recently I have been sleeping badly. On further research I realised that I have had the same bed for about 14 years. And I am a very different body to what I was at 16. This is most likely a key contributor to my problem. Partnered to the fact a bed is only meant to last about 10 years.

So I am now in the market for a new bed. With my old one goes many fond memories. But with the new one comes many great opportunities.

I have little doubt that some of my greatest ideas will come after a great night’s sleep in my new bed!