The Wake-Up Call: Why Canadians Are Running On A National Sleep Debt

As we prepare to “spring forward” this weekend for Daylight Saving Time, the lost hour of rest is proving to be much more than a seasonal inconvenience. New national data reveals that a staggering 65% of Canadians struggle with their sleep, creating a chronic deficit that has millions of us running on empty.

This isn’t just a general fatigue; it’s a gendered health crisis. Statistics show that women are disproportionately affected by poor sleep quality. Between the “mental load” of household management and the biological “perfect storm” of hormonal shifts—from menstrual cycles to menopause—women are often blocked from reaching the restorative rest they need.

We sat down with Dr. David Greenberg, a physician specializing in sleep health, to unpack the science of the “sleep gap” and how to reset your internal clock before World Sleep Day on March 13.

The Gender Sleep Gap

“Hormones play a major role in regulating sleep, and women experience several stages of life where those levels fluctuate,” explains Dr. Greenberg. “Changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can affect body temperature, mood, and the sleep-wake cycle”. According to Dr. Greenberg, these shifts often lead to fragmented sleep and frequent nighttime awakenings. “When that’s combined with everyday stress and responsibilities, it can make it much harder to consistently get the deep, restorative sleep the body needs”.

The Danger of “Presenteeism”

While we might joke about being zombies on Monday morning, the ripple effects are serious. “The most concerning ripple effect of sleep debt is presenteeism,” says Dr. Greenberg. “People may be physically present at work and elsewhere but mentally exhausted”. This chronic exhaustion eventually bleeds into relationships, workplace performance, and long-term mental health. Perhaps most alarming? 1 in 5 Canadians admit to driving even when they feel unsafe due to sleep deprivation.

Stress vs. Biology

It isn’t always “all in your head,” but stress does play a physiological role. “Stress-related sleep loss often happens because the brain remains in a state of alertness,” Dr. Greenberg notes. “Elevated stress hormones can make it difficult to switch off at night, even when the body is tired”. Conversely, sleep disruption from physical health issues, like hormonal changes or chronic illness, requires a different clinical approach. “The reason that we are specific about the underlying cause of sleeplessness is so we can address those causes specifically,” he adds.

How to “Pre-Set” Your Internal Clock

To survive the time change this weekend, Dr. Greenberg suggests a proactive approach. “One simple strategy is to start adjusting your schedule slightly ahead of the time change by going to bed a little earlier,” he recommends. He also advises keeping the bedroom as a dedicated sleep space, free from disruptive elements.

For those whose struggles go beyond a seasonal shift, there is hope. “In addition to cognitive behavioural therapy, there is also a newer class of medications designed to help people stay asleep or fall back asleep more quickly,” Dr. Greenberg explains.

Debunking the “Tired” Myth

As we approach World Sleep Day, Dr. Greenberg has one final message for weary Canadians: stop normalizing exhaustion. “One of the biggest myths is that feeling tired all the time is normal,” he says. “Accepting persistent fatigue as part of daily life … can have harmful consequences for both short- and long-term health”.