October Health – 2025 Report

Sleep in Canada

The leading cause of sleep stress in Canada is often attributed to work-related stress and demands. Factors such as long working hours, job insecurity, and workplace culture can significantly impact sleep quality for the general population. Promoting mental health resources, like those offered by October, can help address these workplace stressors and improve overall well-being.

Sleep Prevalence
27.21%
Affected people
14,965,500

Impact on the people of Canada

Effects of High Sleep Stress on Health and Personal Lives

  • Physical Health: Chronic sleep stress can lead to conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

  • Mental Health: It often exacerbates anxiety and depression, resulting in decreased emotional stability and increased irritability.

  • Cognitive Function: Impaired concentration, memory issues, and decreased decision-making ability can occur, affecting work performance.

  • Workplace Impact: Reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and poorer job satisfaction may result from high sleep stress.

  • Personal Relationships: Increased irritability can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings.

For those facing high sleep stress, digital group sessions from organizations like October could provide tools and strategies to manage stress and promote better sleep health.

Impact on the Canada Economy

Effects of High Sleep Stress on Economy

  1. Reduced Productivity: Sleep stress leads to fatigue and decreased concentration, negatively impacting work performance.

  2. Increased Healthcare Costs: Poor sleep quality can result in higher rates of chronic health issues, increasing healthcare expenses for employers and the economy.

  3. Higher Absenteeism: Employees with sleep stress are more likely to take sick days, leading to lost productivity and increased workload for others.

  4. Decline in Employee Engagement: Chronic sleep issues can decrease morale and motivation, affecting overall workplace culture and retention rates.

  5. Increased Errors and Accidents: Lack of sleep increases the likelihood of mistakes and workplace accidents, leading to potential financial losses and liability issues.

Encouraging mental health initiatives such as those offered by October or October can help mitigate these effects.

What can government do to assist?

Steps to Lower Sleep Stress in Canada

  1. Promote Awareness Campaigns
    Launch nationwide campaigns to educate the public about the importance of sleep and good sleep hygiene practices.

  2. Support Workplace Initiatives
    Encourage employers to implement flexible work hours that allow employees to prioritize their sleep. Programs like those offered by October can help foster discussions around sleep health in the workplace.

  3. Access to Mental Health Services
    Increase funding for mental health services that address sleep disorders. Provide access to therapists and resources focused on sleep-related issues.

  4. Encourage Physical Activity
    Promote community programs that encourage physical activity, as regular exercise can improve sleep quality.

  5. Create Safe Sleep Environments
    Advocate for environments that reduce noise and light pollution, and support the construction of facilities that promote relaxation and rest.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  1. Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance
    Encourage employees to disconnect after work hours and limit overtime to prevent burnout.

  2. Create a Relaxing Workplace Environment
    Design quiet spaces where employees can take breaks to reduce stress during the day.

  3. Offer Flexible Work Hours
    Allow employees to choose their start and end times to accommodate personal sleep needs.

  4. Implement Mindfulness Programs
    Provide resources or workshops on relaxation techniques, such as meditation, to help employees unwind.

  5. Encourage Regular Physical Activity
    Offer fitness programs or gym memberships to help employees manage stress and improve sleep quality.

  6. Utilize Mental Health Resources
    Promote digital group sessions or content from October and October to support mental well-being and educate staff on stress management.