That doesn’t mean we always prioritize sleep, even when we should. National data demonstrates that just 77% of Canadian adults obtain sufficient sleep, and there has been a downward trend in recent years. This sleep deficit is widespread across age groups and is not without consequences.
How does sleep affect your health?
Insufficient sleep has been increasingly linked to poor health. Large studies have shown that short sleep (typically defined as less than 6 to 7 hours) is associated with all-cause mortality, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. Similarly, impaired sleep quality, irregular sleep patterns and sleep disorders are linked to curtailed lifespan, cardiometabolic health, cancers, mental health issues and diabetes. Excessive sleep (typically defined as more than 9 hours) also poses health risks. That’s why striking the right balance is crucial. The importance of sleep in maintaining a healthy lifestyle cannot be overstated.