Why Do People Have So Much Trouble Sleeping?

May 5, 2026 | 3 min read

Common advice to get a good night’s sleep, including avoiding screens and caffeine in the evening or installing blackout blinds, is well known. Yet, according to Manulife’s Wellness Report, 32% of Canadians said that they slept fewer than the recommended seven hours per night in 2023. In 2025, getting better sleep was the priority in terms of lifestyle habits for 41% of people in the country¹.

“We often look for a quick solution, but focusing on lifestyle habits is usually more important,” says Dr. Steve Pomedli, primary care physician at Cleveland Clinic Canada, which is the medical director for Manulife Canada’s Group Benefits. 

More than half of all Canadian adults² don’t meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity recommended by the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines.

Yet physical activity plays a key role in a good night’s sleep. “Exercise impacts hormones, neurotransmitters and melatonin production, which can help you fall asleep and stay asleep,” explains Dr. Pomedli.

• Moderate cardio, strength training³, and mind-body practices (ex.: yoga and tai chi[ii] ) can all support better sleep.
• Lower-intensity activities, such as walking⁴ are also beneficial.

Research associates getting enough quality sleep with many benefits:

• Reduced inflammation and a lower risk of cancer and heart disease⁶.
• Lower risk of chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol⁷.
• Improved cognitive health, memory and energy levels⁸.
• Stronger immune system⁹ to help fight both minor illnesses and more serious conditions

A growing number of Canadians are dealing with increased stress and mental health challenges. A recent report showed that 35% of Canadian workers felt they were anxious, and 27% reported feeling depressed¹⁰— all of which can impact sleep.

This phenomenon works both ways: adults who sleep fewer than six hours a night are 2.5 times more likely to report symptoms of mental health concerns¹¹.

“A poor night’s sleep can make it harder to manage stress the next day, while higher stress levels can make it harder to sleep,” says Dr. Pomedli.

• Writing down sources of worry (and potential solutions) during the day¹² can help you “unload” your mind for the night.
• A counsellor or therapist can also help you manage specific stressful situations.

The circadian rhythm — the human body’s biological clock — regulates functions including sleep and wakefulness, appetite, body temperature, and hormone production. Its 24-hour cycle mirrors the Earth’s natural rhythm: activity during the day, rest at night.

“Certain choices like exercising in the evening, a big meal or irregular sleep and wakeup times can deregulate the circadian rhythm and disrupt sleep — much like jet lag when travelling,” explains Dr. Pomedli. 

• Try to maintain a similar wakeup time each day. Keeping sleep patterns synchronized, even on weekends or when you go to bed later, improves quality and consistency of rest¹³.
• Seek natural light in the morning and reduce your exposure to light in the evening to prepare your body for sleep¹⁴.

This story was originally published in La Presse on March 22, 2026.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. If you have questions or concerns about your specific situation or are seeking medical advice, contact your medical doctor or your health-care provider.

Cleveland Clinic Canada
Manulife is proud to have Cleveland Clinic Canada on board as Medical Director for our Group Benefits operations. Cleveland Clinic Canada has a wealth of global healthcare expertise and shares our goal to help Canadians live longer, healthier, and better lives. Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit organization that has been at the forefront of modern medicine since 1921. In recent years, Cleveland Clinic has worked with progressive companies in Canada and around the world to prioritize the health and well-being of their employees, customers, and communities.