60% of Canadian adults feel tired most of the time
30% of Canadian adults get fewer than six hours of sleep a night
60% of Canadian adults feel tired most of the time
30% of Canadian adults get fewer than six hours of sleep a night
It’s no surprise that we’re so exhausted. As we lay on our mattress before going to sleep and after waking, our screens are inundated with notifications, and meeting requests. Our world is busier, faster, and more connected than ever before. Yet, as our days grow longer and our nights shorter, one critical aspect of our well-being continues to suffer: sleep.
In a society where “time is money,” sleep has often been viewed as a waste. We’ve been conditioned to think that “sleep is for the weak,” that “you’ll sleep when you’re dead,” and “you snooze, you lose.” Sleep deprivation has almost become a status symbol; the more you work, the more important and successful you must be. High-performers often wear their exhaustion as a badge of honor, with 60-hour work weeks being seen as brag-worthy. This reflects a clear shift from previous eras, where leisure was a luxury and work was a necessity for the lower class.
Our relationship with sleep is further complicated by our dependence on technology. We carry our friends and our jobs in our back pockets at all times, and we can’t sit still without compulsively reaching for our phones. Every empty moment is filled with noise—notifications from social media, emails, or streaming platforms. In this frantic cycle, we’ve forgotten how to pause, how to reflect, and perhaps most critically, how to sleep.
In her best-selling book The Sleep Revolution, Arianna Huffington describes our age as “the golden age of sleep science.” Researchers are uncovering the intricate processes that occur in our brains and bodies during sleep and the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked insufficient sleep to chronic diseases and conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, anxiety, and depression. Recent studies also associate sleep deprivation with early Alzheimer’s Disease and an increased risk of certain cancers. The more we learn about the dangers of insufficient sleep, the harder it is to ignore the fact that we are facing a global health crisis.
One of the main reasons we neglect sleep is simple ignorance. We haven’t been educated about the importance of sleep in the same way we have about diet and exercise. While we often hear about the benefits of a balanced diet and regular physical activity, the mysteries and marvels of sleep have remained largely unexplored in mainstream health discussions—until recently. Mastering healthy sleep habits is one of the most effective ways to improve our overall health and quality of life. Science has proven that better sleep can enhance our health, happiness, and cognitive function.
Yet, despite this wealth of knowledge, we continue to undervalue sleep. The adage from Benjamin Franklin, “Up, Sluggard, and waste not life; in the grave will be sleeping enough,” captures this mentality. The idea that sleep is for the weak has deep roots in our culture, often reinforced by figures like Thomas Edison, who famously claimed he could thrive on just a few hours of sleep. This mindset is part of a larger narrative that celebrates overwork and exhaustion as signs of ambition and success.
In today’s hyper-connected world, this attitude manifests most clearly in our pre-sleep routines. The blue light emitted by our screens—phones, tablets, laptops, and televisions—has been shown to interfere with the body’s natural circadian rhythms. This disruption can make it more difficult to fall asleep, reducing the overall quality of our rest. The blue light inhibits the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. As a result, many of us find ourselves scrolling through social media or answering emails late into the night, only to wake up the next day feeling groggy and unrested.
The irony is that while we sacrifice sleep for productivity, we often find that our efforts yield diminishing returns. Sleep deprivation can lead to decreased concentration, impaired judgment, and reduced creativity—all critical factors for high performance in both personal and professional spheres. In fact, a study published in the journal Sleep found that sleep-deprived individuals are less likely to excel at problem-solving and decision-making tasks. The trade-off of sleepless nights for greater productivity is, in many ways, a false economy.
Moreover, our reliance on screens often serves as a source of stress and anxiety. The constant barrage of notifications and the pressure to stay connected can lead to a heightened state of arousal that makes it even more challenging to wind down at night. Engaging with social media or work-related tasks can trigger a cycle of stress that extends well into our sleep hours, keeping our minds racing even as we attempt to rest.
Recognizing the need to prioritize sleep is crucial for reversing the negative effects of our current lifestyle. By making intentional choices about our pre-sleep routines—such as reducing screen time, creating a calming bedtime environment, and establishing consistent sleep schedules—we can reclaim the restorative power of sleep. Implementing practices like mindfulness or reading a physical book before bed can significantly improve our ability to relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
The implications of good sleep hygiene extend beyond individual well-being; they touch on broader societal concerns as well. Sleep deprivation costs Canadian businesses approximately 78,000 working days each year, with 26% of the workforce admitting to calling in sick due to fatigue. This translates into significant economic losses, underscoring the urgent need for a cultural shift towards valuing sleep as a vital component of health and productivity.
As we work to reframe our relationship with sleep, we can also draw on the latest research and expert resources to guide us. Articles and studies highlighting the benefits of sleep, as well as actionable steps to improve sleep quality, can empower us to take charge of our rest. The goal is to harness the power of sleep not only for our health but also for our happiness and success in everyday life.
Here’s to waking up to the possibilities that a good night’s sleep can offer. Prioritizing our rest is not just about avoiding the consequences of sleep deprivation; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that supports our overall well-being. Beautiful sleep truly is the secret to a beautiful life, and by choosing to prioritize it, we can unlock our full potential.
To truly reclaim our sleep, we must also advocate for changes in our work and social environments. Organizations need to recognize the value of well-rested employees and implement policies that promote healthy work-life balance. This could mean encouraging flexible hours, offering wellness programs that prioritize sleep, or even creating designated times where communication is minimized after work hours. As we shift our focus toward well-being, businesses could benefit from increased productivity, creativity, and employee satisfaction.
On a personal level, setting boundaries around technology is essential. Designating “screen-free” time in the evenings can foster healthier habits, allowing our minds to unwind without the relentless pull of notifications. Techniques like dimming the lights, practicing relaxation exercises, or engaging in calming activities such as journaling or meditation can enhance our ability to transition into sleep.
Finally, as we educate ourselves about the importance of sleep, we must also share this knowledge with others. Conversations about sleep health can help normalize the need for rest and reduce the stigma associated with prioritizing sleep over work. By fostering a culture that celebrates restorative sleep, we can pave the way for a healthier, more balanced society. Ultimately, recognizing the intrinsic value of sleep is not just a personal choice; it’s a collective movement towards a healthier future.
Let’s commit to putting our screens down, turning off notifications, and creating a sanctuary for sleep each night. Together, we can reclaim our right to rest and build a culture that recognizes sleep as a vital ingredient in our recipe for health and happiness.
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