MONTREAL – The annual transition to Daylight Saving Time is creating a significant “sleep debt” among Canadians, particularly impacting residents in Quebec, according to a recent Leger survey. The report reveals that four out of ten participants fail to get the recommended seven hours of sleep, with 67% of Canadians stating that the time shift severely disrupts their internal clocks. While the practice is intended to save daylight, 45% of the national population—and 39% of those in Quebec—report that this sudden loss of an hour significantly worsens their overall health and well-being.
The struggle to adapt is prolonged for most, as only 11% of people feel fully adjusted on the day of the time change. According to the survey, which polled 1,570 Canadians between early 2025 and February 2026, one-third of respondents require three or more days to return to their normal rhythm. This lack of recovery leads to a measurable dip in performance, with 59% of people reporting extreme fatigue and a noticeable decrease in workplace productivity in the days following the shift.
To mitigate these effects, medical experts like Dr. Vincent recommend that individuals strictly adhere to their usual wake-up times according to the new clock to help the body recalibrate faster. For those facing persistent insomnia or sleep interruptions—a problem shared by 65% of Canadians—the public health campaign website dormezladessuscanada.ca provides scientific resources and guidance. The survey underscores that while a single hour might seem minor, the biological toll on the Canadian workforce is substantial.
