Skip navigation

 Login or Register | Member Centre

Statistics Canada

Marriage + kids + money = kiss your sleep goodbye

TRALEE PEARCE

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 7:08 AM EDT 24/04/08

Marriage + kids + money = goodbye sleep ...Read the full article

This conversation is closed

  1. Mia Zen from Canada writes: It may explain why some boss can explode their anger on other people, colleagues and others, never apologizing.
  2. CHP My vote from Beamsville, Canada writes: Glad to see they didn't over do the fact that kids = less sleep. While that may be true, it's only temporary, and the positives far outweigh the negatives. People already have a hard enough time having kids, we don't need 'stats' to tell people it's even harder...
  3. C M from Canada writes: Let's see. I have a stressfull job, I commute 1 hr 30 minutes each way, I'm married, I have 2 small children. I get up at 5:30 am. I get 12 days vacation per year. I get about 6 hours sleep per night. Chest pains......tingling feeling in my arms.......chest pains......what's that white light?.........aaaaargghhhhhh!
  4. hossein hajiagha from Victoria, Canada writes: Life is get worst in BC , perhaps this is my last years I will be in Canada , ready move out to USA or some where there is justice and human right and respect to human .., we are canadian or as new comers became like slave s, no justice , no answer to TAX payer, ;last night news from BC this man Gorden campbell he want spending anothers billion dollars in BC stadium to replace roof, this man he is crazy I request personally from RCMP or any local;y or international court to look after him, where all this money go and came from, when thousand and thousand homeless they do not have any roof over are head , poor and low income, why we need to have new roof on are stadium for only 15 days painfully stupid game, stop all this corruption, do not spending are money on fancy building, whose responsible for human right in BC? Are this is Talibani regime no one care ?
  5. Jeremy Debling from Canada writes: I am so sorry that Premier Gordon has been so hard on you as a taxpayer. Maybe you would like to see how much all Canadians pay. If you don't want them to pay money to refurbish the BC place most likely for the Winter Olympics, then don't vote for him.

    Guess what here in Toronto we are held hostage by bad government everyday, that's Municipal, Provincial as well as Federal.

    Suck it up or else move to the US where I am sure you will be treated much better by the Bush Regime.
  6. hossein hajiagha from Victoria, Canada writes: I vote him to fix are problems not him and his mafia, like when I was live in Iran they are spending large money on Ayatollahs komenei home or large Masque ...I have 6 tooth need to be fix missing I can not eat or talk....I lost my job last week as handyman ..because I was working honest and some guy had under table contract with this shopping mall not happy to I be there. no law here to ask why fire me...no is take long times to find job and is hard to get on welfare....all this decoration and advertising BC as best place in world is sucks, I am artist also study move give me an grant and I show you how life is hard in BC and all this corruption and picture of reality and human right in BC, and why I like American because respect to human right, not like here run by white mafia fix my tooth or homeless, low income. or housing for us is more important or BC stadium? We do not what this people have in mind after they get in power they change why we thinks we do not have bad guys here in Canada , where is RCMP this is my request as canadian citizen look at are homeless, then a money go to replace stadium roof...where I should go to fix my tooth or where is the job? people from all over the world, or Canada moving in BC to work here but there is no job ? just advertising on TV and perhaps cost big money ...CBC report you guys in Iran do not have democracy....yes I know and why I am here show me your democracy ?
  7. hossein hajiagha from Victoria, Canada writes: you know what I do not have big job like you in government to cover my health care or...I live on daily base call came and I go there and fix wall or paint or ....no future...no one ask local company they must pay for medical and dental. non of them are working pay for they just collect big TAX
  8. Bob Macdonald from Liverpool, United Kingdom writes: If this is your problem, then you should change your lifestyle. I have seen this with friends, but equally, I have known many people who don't have this problem because they organise their lives better. Try living within short distance of your work, or even homework. Don't have so many kids: isn't one enough? Take turns with your spouse staying at home and having career breaks. People make excuses, but when you look at it, its because they insist on having a house, car. minivan, commute to some turgid job somewhere, and live like a burnt out yuppie. Try ditching the car, walking places and living a different life.
  9. hossein hajiagha from Victoria, Canada writes: find job for me, 3D Maya animation from Toronto, 2D animation from Los angel. Editorials cartoonist, awarded artist, Fine Art from Iran, technical school from Iran, handyman, painter hone renovation , professional artist, teacher, what you talking about man, I am skin color , not white man, yes I had right job in Iran, yes I was get to local dental clinic free no charge pay by government or university dental clinic. yes I did not pay large TAX in Iran , a bad country,
    but in good country like canada some time I working 16 hours as security
    or any job came .....ON daily base .....we do not have labour system as Iran have?
    we do not have respect to human right as Iran have? we just talk and talk
    I talk to so many immigrant they are have fear to speack out may cost problems with immigration? they have same problems, do not spending are TAX or my TAX on white elephant please
  10. Peter Lefaivre from Edmonton, Canada writes: Just another useless survey telling us what we already know...all these so called experts and analysts have to justify their jobs somehow otherwise they might have to join the rest of us sleep deprived working stiffs.
  11. hossein hajiagha from Victoria, Canada writes: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=uNrr34nyrTs
  12. SusieQ 321 from NoWhereVille, Canada writes: So if Iran is so much better then go back to Iran.... if not work to make your new home better... but do something and stop complaining
  13. Hugh Draper from Vancouver, Canada writes: Don't many people pick up some sleep at the office or while driving to work?
  14. Jeremy Debling from Canada writes: Guess what if Iran is so much better, than just go home!
  15. My eyes are open, Are yours? from Canada writes: If the average amount of sleep is over 8 hours, according to this article, what is the problem?

    And, who is getting my extra 2 hours???

    Hossein, try looking for a dental school, they will fix your teeth for free or for a nominal amount.

    If you are so hard up, how do you have the time or facilities to be here posting on the 'net?

    Try Fort McMurray, they are hiring anyone with a pulse. Or translate your rants into a graphic novel, or ezine.

    I would suggest with your name and background, the US would not necessarily be the best choice.
  16. Bored Worker from Woodstock, Canada writes: whoa....what was that you were saying? I think I nodded off a little just now....
  17. Jeremy Debling from Canada writes: Me?
  18. Terry F from Edmonton, Canada writes: Ah, the restful sleep of a single guy. Love it. Money in the bank, no kids and their aggravating high-pitched squeals, and only getting up early on weekends to kick some lucky lady out so I can have the bed to myself. Life is good.
  19. jack Bauer from Canada writes: Terry more likely the palm sisters!
  20. A C from Canada writes: I'm not really sure why the crazy immigrant guy started posting rants about Canada in an article about sleep...

    Anyways, one thing I noticed at the end of the article. It says that we get, on average, 19 minutes of sleep on the weekends. I think that might be a typo. Either that or I'm really lucky.

    I think the trick is to live as close to your work as possible. If your work is in the city, then move to the city. If it's in the suburbs, then move to the suburbs. The idea of having to get up at 5 or 6 in the morning to get ready and drive for 1 or 2 hours to work is crazy (and then you have to drive home!).

    I guess I'm lucky where I live. Here in St. John's you're always 10 or 15 minutes from where you work whether you live in the city or in one of the surrounding communities. Shorter commutes = more sleep.
  21. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: They got the last sign in the equation wrong. It should be marriage plus kids MINUS money equals goodbye sleep. At least that's how it works most of the time.
  22. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: Hossien, I can't understand why you are having so many difficulties here in Canada. It certainly can't be your attitude.
  23. B Ford from Edmonton, Canada writes: SICK AND TIRED OF THOSE TELLING IMMIGRANTS TO GO HOME OR STOP COMPLAINING. This is intolerance. This is like saying someone has fewer rights to be here than do. Shall we let only those who have not complained remain in Canada? Do you only get the right to complain after 1, 2 or 3 generations? Or when aboriginal to this country?
    You have a right to complain and to leave, these are among the most valued of our rights. If you pay taxes, as that man does (too much he says; as many of us do) and works hard, he may have even more right to complain. I never felt like complaining so much as when I received my first property tax bill - and then I realized how many services the city provides (and how little funding it gets from the provincial and federal governments). Regarding my complaining, it is none of your business if I am an immigrant, descendant of immigrants or aboriginal Canadian. We all have that right. Our governments and society deserves a little complaining once in a while.
    On the sleep issue, I know few adults who get their 8 or more hours regularly. Where are these people?
  24. B G from Vancouver, Canada writes: Jeremy Debling from Canada writes: Oh and it might be nice if you learned english, you know the main speaking language of this country that you are denigrating but yet immigrated to because it is so much better than the cesspool called Iran.

    Ah, the irony.
  25. Lee Turner from Canada writes: Wow, you people are A-holes. Hussein, these people don't speak for all Canadians.

    Hey Jeremy, how many languages do you speak, funny guy, how many can you read and write?

    I guess airing your greviences in a public forum is just for us White Canadians, huh? Do you have any clue what your own ancestors went through when they came here as Immigrants? Well, they got the exact same treatment you're giving Hussein. Immigrants built this country and practically handed you your soft, cozy priviledged lives.
  26. T Molnar from Out West, Canada writes: Hussein makes some valid points even though some seem somewhat exaggerated in comparison to other contexts. I didn't find his comments really 'whining' but infused with frustration as expectations he had were not met.

    Whatever the case, all or nothing thinking aka 'love it or leave it' etc...in response to his comments is perhaps at its best ethically insufficient as a response to another person as they relate the difficulties they feel they face, and at its worst simply mean spirited.

    Hope you work it out for yourself whatever you do Hussein.

    regards
  27. jason green from writes: Hussien is right. 3 times the number of homeless people on the streets since Gord-o came to office and the BC liberals spend 153 million dollars on a cross country ski resort. 600 million on road to go between the two riches communities in the province while our hospitals are third world; millions on a frickin' speed skating oval.

    No wonder we all sleep like crap -- we have to worry about paying for all this Olympic stupidity in the next few years.
  28. Michele K from Ottawa, Canada writes: Shame on you posters who seem to think Hossein has no right to express himself here, and how dare you codemn the state of his English.

    Don't worry, Hossein - your message is getting through - ignore the hypocrites, who are no doubt products of immigration themselves, but who think it is their right to reject those that come after them.
  29. A C from Canada writes: It's not so much that I don't think he has a right to express himself. My issue is that he is doing it in the comments section for a story about a lack of sleep. Where's the context? What does not being able to find meaningful employment here in Canada have to do with not being able to get enough sleep?

    Another issue I have (with both sides) is the disrespect and name calling. Hossein said some terrible things and attributed them to ALL of Canada and ALL Canadians. Name calling won't get you anywhere.

    Although maybe he's just sleep deprived...

    Anyways people, back to the issue of sleep deprivation!
  30. Tyler Phillips from writes: yet people still have plenty of time for TV...

    people continue to choose homes far away from work because they want something bigger
  31. Tyler Phillips from writes: Michele K from Ottawa, Canada writes: Shame on you posters who seem to think Hossein has no right to express himself here, and how dare you codemn the state of his English.
    ***

    Funny you stand up for him, but not the millions of people he managed to insult by painting all Canadians with the same brush.
  32. Jeremy Debling from Canada writes: I can speak read write and speak two languages. I went to University and couldn't find a job, then went to college.

    I have no problelms with immigrants. Only with those that blame all their problems on Canadians. Guess what, I had to earn my job too.
  33. Jeremy Debling from Canada writes: Sorry for the double talk there.

    Should be I can read, write and speak two languages at present. I am presently trying to learn another.

    Guess it's what happens when you don't get sleep, which is what I thought the point of this article was. Rather Hossein turned it into a rant about Canadians. Guess I can't for them as a whole, but I can speak for me.

    Sure I am an immigrant. My Grandfather immigrated just before 1914, then returned to Europe to fight the Kaiser.

    I didn't mean to sound anti-immigrant. I am just tired of everything being my fault.
  34. Jeremy Debling from Canada writes: Hey Lee,

    Here's a snippet of my new language. Please enjoy.

    póg mo thóin
  35. Ivan Patrick from Canada writes: Want little sleep? Drive a truck all night and try sleeping during the day. Fun, fun, fun! Maybe I'll go read the Sun- that may help me get to sleep...
  36. The Skipper from Canada writes: I'LL second you on that Ivan Patrick. They want truck drivers to drive all night but pay them peanuts to do so. They wonder why they are short of truck drivers - money, decent working hours, dispatchers not crawling all over your back to make up lost time due to weather, traffic etc.,
    Oh yes. with respect to kids - I have told my kids not to have any - as I don't want them saddled/trapped. I want them to ski, sail and play because you never see them when they do grow up.
  37. Peter S from Vancouver, Canada writes: It's more society that is making us sleep less, not just us. As a university student working and going to school, sleep is rather low on the list, most nights consist of 4-5 hours of sleep. As competition to get into university increases and so do the demands of potential employers, the workload increases and even most professors will admit it's more than it was 'back in their day.' But of course this is just one little sliver of the whole situation and story, as not everyone in Canada is in school right now. However, I thought I'd just throw it out there.
  38. Two Sense from Saskatoon, Canada writes: When I want to go to sleep I listen to ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Top or Led ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZepplin!
    Works every time!
  39. REV eighteenseventeen from Canada writes: That's right fire all the spend happy tax grabbers. Out with em! Then we will all sleep fine.
  40. Theodore Majority from Ottawa, Canada writes: Hossein Hajiagha - go to the airport and apply for a screening officer job. They're union jobs, and I believe they're looking now.
  41. hossein hajiagha from Victoria, Canada writes: yesterday just received sad news a friend who's was working as security guard looks to me he was former Judge in yugoslavia die age 44 leave 3 children behind....he was a man complaining over canadian system not happy with and some times working over 12 hours a day....life became stupid for some of us in BC and haven for some lazy rich and members of are government include Gorden Campbell and his mafia....after was sad news and I lose my job as handyman for shopping center stupid racism in Victoria .....be honest Canada get sucks for living, with this system....it was better before
  42. Eric the Red from Uzbekistan writes: Say it ain't so. Having kids and working full time jobs leading to lack of sleep? Who would have thunk it...

    Next week, G &M announces that having kids actually costs money!
  43. Jeremy Debling from Canada writes: Ghabbar, I as a tax paying person of Canada can suggest that anyone that unhappy with living here can leave. I am sorry to here that he is so unhappy, but this is a democracy. I have the right to express my opinion as does he and you and everyone else. He has the right to vote to change the BC government that is apparently so unfriendly to him.

    In short sticks and stones you $ss. Plus my family and I have been guardians of this Country for 100 years and through 2 World Wars and 50 years of peace.
  44. whatevah D from Canada writes: Jeremy Debling from Canada writes: Sorry for the double talk there.

    Should be I can read, write and speak two languages at present. I am presently trying to learn another.

    Guess it's what happens when you don't get sleep, which is what I thought the point of this article was. Rather Hossein turned it into a rant about Canadians. Guess I can't for them as a whole, but I can speak for me.

    Sure I am an immigrant. My Grandfather immigrated just before 1914, then returned to Europe to fight the Kaiser.

    I didn't mean to sound anti-immigrant. I am just tired of everything being my fault.

    Actually Jeremy, I agree with you. My parents emigrated here; While they sometimes express their disdain for certain political/societal issues, all in all they are thankful for having been able to raise their children in Canada. I've never heard them blame Canada for anything; Quite the contrary, my mom is thankful for medicare as my brother needed several life-saving surgeries as a child due to a disease.

    I think if someone is that unhappy with living here, perhaps they should do something about it and go elsewhere.
  45. max from edmonton from Canada writes: Having Kids will certainly screw with your sleep habits but agree that there is more good than bad that comes out of having them.

    As for Hossein: Well my friend, you seem well educated and quite skilled. There are many many jobs available to you in Canada. Perhaps someone told you that Canada was such a great country that you would automatically have a great life when you set foot here.

    Sadly that is not the Case. Everything that you are expressing frustration about can be yours to have but you have to work very hard to get it. I think saying that 'canada sucks' and blaming job loss on 'racism' is only going to set you back.

    Put a smile on your face, pick up your hammer and come to Alberta. We will put you to work and you can earn more than enough money to get your teeth fixed and to embrace your artistic side.

    When life hands you lemons, make lemonade my friend. Opportunity is Knocking, if you have the moxie then go and get it.

    As has been said before, if you are concerned about racism, you may want to reconsider a move south
  46. mary wells from Canada writes: Hossein.........you so obviously are not happy with how things run here in Canada ,I think it might be a good idea if you give your own homeland another try..and before anyone jumps down my throat, I am a first generation Canadian ,my parents were immigrants.They arrived here with nothing ,knew no one in this country,had a 3 year old child and another due at any moment.My father worked at any job he could, from picking tobacco to sweeping streets.and NEVER once entertained the thought of asking for a handout..ie. welfare.He had something called pride and an amazing work ethic. We lived without much , in an apartment in Toronto with no heat,and even in a garage when we moved to Sault ste marie.My family started out with nothing , maybe even less than what you had, Hossein,and when my father died 36 years later,he had , through hard work, his own home ,2 beautiful cottages on Lake Superior and property in Florida..and he left my mother and all 8 of us, his offspring, very well taken care of.He didnt even speak any English when he arrived, but he learned.and i remember teaching him math when i was a child so he could apply to Algoma Steel for a job.(which he got).I also remember him complaining about paying taxes, but he paid them.Probably because he knew that the problems he had here in Canada, were nothing compared to what he had left in Europe. So , Hossein,instead of expending all that energy complaining about Canada, use some of it to find some other work,and think about why you left Iran.........
  47. C J from Canada writes: people are commuting so they have have a bigger house. it's all about "having", they'll work their a$$e$ into the ground to have and have and have .. big house, new car, etc. etc. throw in a massive earthquake or other disaster and what really becomes important is knowing your family is safe and you're all connected or together.

    stuff is just stuff. nothing more. a house can be a good investment .. most other things are just frivolous (new car, etc.)

Comments are closed

Thanks for your interest in commenting on this article, however we are no longer accepting submissions. If you would like, you may send a letter to the editor.

Report an abusive comment to our editorial staff

close

Alert us about this comment

Please let us know if this reader’s comment breaks the editor's rules and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.

Do not use this to complain about comments that don’t break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.

Top Stories by Section