The study also highlighted the importance of sleep hygiene, with 75% of respondents acknowledging its significance. The survey further revealed that 60% of Canadians prefer sleeping in a cooler room, and 40% use white noise to aid sleep.
Sleep difficulties are a widespread issue in Canada, affecting nearly 16 million adults. This prevalence underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the factors contributing to poor sleep. Among the various factors, technology plays a significant role, with over 60% of Canadians acknowledging that their sleep has been disrupted by technological devices. The impact of technology on sleep is multifaceted.
Sleep deprivation is a widespread issue in Canada, affecting a significant portion of the adult population. The consequences of inadequate sleep are far-reaching, impacting not only individuals but also society as a whole. Mood swings are one of the most frequently reported side effects of sleep deprivation. When individuals do not get enough sleep, their emotional regulation becomes compromised, leading to heightened irritability, anxiety, and even depression. For instance, a person who is sleep-deprived may find themselves snapping at coworkers or loved ones over minor issues, which can strain relationships and create a tense work environment.
However, technology, including smartphones and laptops, is also disrupting sleep. A survey conducted by The Sleep Foundation reveals that approximately 50% of Canadians are experiencing sleep disruptions due to technology use, such as blue light exposure from screens and over-stimulation from social media and work emails. This can lead to sleep deprivation, which has been linked to several health issues. To combat this, some Canadians are using technology to aid their sleep. Meditation and relaxation apps, sound machines, and white noise apps are among the solutions being used to improve sleep quality. These tools help create a calming environment conducive to rest.
However, this does not necessarily translate to better mental health. In fact, the study found that those who slept more on weekends reported higher levels of anxiety and depression. The research, conducted by the University of Toronto, involved a survey of 2,000 Canadians. The study revealed that while sleeping more on weekends might seem like a way to catch up on lost sleep, it can actually exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. The researchers suggest that this could be due to the disruption of the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. When this rhythm is disrupted, it can lead to feelings of restlessness and mood swings. The study also found that Canadians who reported poor sleep quality were more likely to experience anxiety and depression.
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