Running on Empty: 41% of Canadians in “Sleep Debt,” 1 in 5 Admit Driving Despite Feeling Unsafe After Daylight Saving Time

MISSISSAUGA, ON, MARCH 3, 2026 – As clocks spring forward for Daylight Saving Time (DST), new national survey data reveals a troubling reality: sleep loss isn’t just a temporary inconvenience for Canadians – it’s become a normalized public health concern.

According to a new national Leger survey commissioned by Eisai Limited, 41% of Canadians are getting less than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night, placing them in what experts describe as “sleep debt” – the cumulative effect of insufficient rest over time.^1,2

While Daylight Saving Time can disrupt sleep for a few days, the data suggests the impact goes far beyond a single lost hour.¹ Instead, the time change appears to expose a deeper, year-round issue affecting safety, productivity, and overall quality of life – one that many continue to dismiss as “just normal.” ¹

Among Canadians living with sleep debt, 57% struggle to fall asleep and 71% report difficulty staying asleep, signaling persistent, fragmented rest rather than occasional fatigue.¹ Notably, disrupted sleep is not limited to those who identify as sleep-deprived. Even among Canadians who report seven or more hours of sleep, nearly two in three (65%) say they struggle with falling or staying asleep.¹

Beyond nighttime challenges, the ripple effects are felt during the day. Canadians report experiencing tiredness and fatigue (39%) and lowered productivity (23%) as a result of the time change.¹ More concerning, 18% of Canadians admit they have driven while feeling unsafe after losing an hour of sleep due to DST, a number that climbs to 23% among those living with sleep debt.¹ This further reinforces how closely sleep is tied to safety, performance, and well-being.

“Sleep is foundational to physical health, mental clarity, and as most people recognize, our ability to think clearly and participate fully in daily life including our relationships, at work, and for our families and friends,” said Dr. David Greenberg, a primary care physician with an interest in sleep. “People who struggle with sleep often push through their daily activities despite feeling persistently fatigued, simply because they feel they have no choice. But that fatigue is a clear signal from the body that it isn’t getting the restorative sleep it needs. Unfortunately, many Canadians have come to accept that level of exhaustion as normal. It isn’t.”

Experts warn that ongoing sleep debt can slow reaction time, reduce focus, and impair decision-making, making daily tasks harder and potentially riskier.³

“Daylight Saving Time may bring sleep into focus for a few days,” adds Dr. Greenberg, “but for many Canadians, poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep are year-round challenges that deserve far more attention and support than they typically receive. While many people turn to short-term fixes, persistent sleep difficulties often benefit from guidance from a healthcare provider. If your sleep challenges aren’t tied to temporary life circumstances like caring for a newborn, a new pet like a puppy, or shift work, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional about strategies and treatment options that can help optimize sleep and the many health and quality-of-life benefits it provides.^4,5,6”

As clocks spring forward this March, the findings serve as a reminder that lost sleep is more than a seasonal inconvenience. For millions of Canadians, it may be a wake-up call.

Canadians dealing with sleep issues or looking to learn more about the importance of sleep are encouraged to visit sleepdebt.ca.

Methodology 

The Leger survey was conducted online between January 30–February 1, 2026, with a representative sample of 1,570 Canadians aged 18+. A probability sample of this size would have a margin of error of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20.¹

About Eisai Limited 

Based in Mississauga, Eisai Limited focuses on neurology and oncology. As a subsidiary of Eisai Inc., the company shares a global commitment to improving patient care by developing innovative therapies to address unmet medical needs. 

References 

1. Online survey via Leger’s LEO panel 2026

2. Sleep Debt Canada. Sleep Debt. Available at: https://sleepdebt.ca 
3. Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation: An Unmet Public Health Problem. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19961/
4. NeurologyLive. Overview of DORA class medications for the treatment of insomnia. May 23, 2025. Available at: https://www.neurologylive.com/view/overview-of-dora-class-medications-for-the-treatment-of-insomnia 
5. Struggling to get a good night’s sleep? There’s an alternative to meds, experts say. Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/insomnia-cognitive-behavioural-therapy-1.7463164
6. Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids. Available at: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/over-the-counter-sleep-aids