'I was tired all the time until I made one simple diet change'

For several months, I've been trying to pinpoint the reason for my poor sleep. Despite not feeling overly tired when I wake, I don't feel very well-rested either.

Later in the day, I experience a post-work slump. But I enjoy an active lifestyle, so it's not something that has caused me great concern.

Yet, my sleep tracker started to worry me. I've been monitoring my sleep for over a year, and each morning I'm taken aback by the data on my Garmin watch. It suggests my sleep quality is rather shocking, as reported by the Mirror.

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Even when I get more than eight hours of sleep, it's frequently non-restorative. When my watch calculates my 'sleep score' out of 100, it's typically 20 points lower than my boyfriend's score, despite us going to bed at the same time while wearing the same technology.

Let's quickly go over some figures. My highest average sleep score over the past year is 75, while my lowest average score is 46.

To share one of the worst recent examples, one night, I got 8 hours and 57 minutes of sleep, but only 48 of those minutes were spent in deep sleep. This is significantly less than the recommended 1.5-2 hours for most adults.

A recent blood test showed I have low B12 levels, which may be the answer to my problem. After my GP prescribed vitamin tablets, my sleep score soared to 91 on the very first day I took them, setting a new personal record.

Since the initial improvement, my sleep scores have remained consistently high and my deep sleep has also seen a boost. I've even set a new personal best with a sleep score of 97.

It seems my energy levels are on the rise too, which could be linked to B12 – research suggests low levels of this vitamin are associated with insomnia symptoms and tiredness. Although I'll need to wait for another blood test in three months to confirm my B12 status, I'm optimistic about my sleep and B12 levels improving.

Signs of a B12 vitamin deficiency, according to the NHS:

• a pale yellow tinge to your skin.

• a sore and red tongue (glossitis)

• mouth ulcers.

• pins and needles (paraesthesia)

• changes in the way that you walk and move around.

• disturbed vision.

• irritability.

• depression.

However, it's worth noting that sleep trackers aren't always accurate, and obsessing over the data might actually be counterproductive. Sleep Expert Sammy Margo from Dreams commented on the growing trend of sleep monitoring: "As people become more invested in optimising their rest, numerous apps and devices are used to help achieve the 'perfect night's sleep.

"However, this fixation on tracking every detail can ironically lead to more anxiety, keeping us awake at night." She advised a more measured approach: "To genuinely improve sleep quality and quantity, it's important not to get too fixated on achieving perfect sleep scores.

"Instead, use sleep tracking as a tool for insight, increasing your awareness of any patterns or issues rather than fuelling stress. Embracing a balanced approach can help make tracking a valuable part of a healthier sleep routine without creating unnecessary pressure."

From my perspective, I've found it quite enlightening to have access to the data and to be able to identify potential trends. I wanted to share my experience in case it could be of help to others.

If you suspect you might be deficient in any vitamins or have other health worries, it's best to consult your GP who can provide appropriate advice. I didn't begin taking the vitamins without first discussing it with my doctor.