Chronic Fatigue in Calgary: Is Poor Sleep to Blame?

Chronic Fatigue in Calgary: Is Poor Sleep to Blame?

Do you wake up in the morning feeling just as tired as when you went to bed? Are you constantly dragging yourself through the day, relying on caffeine or naps just to function? Chronic fatigue is a growing concern for many Calgarians, and while there can be many underlying causes, poor sleep quality is one of the most overlooked culprits.

At The Sleep Institute in Calgary, we help patients uncover the root of their fatigue by focusing on sleep health first. If you’ve been struggling with persistent exhaustion, it might be time to look beyond stress or busy schedules—and start exploring whether a sleep disorder is holding you back.

 

What Is Chronic Fatigue?

Chronic fatigue is more than just feeling tired once in a while. It’s persistent, unrelenting tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest. It can affect your ability to concentrate, perform daily tasks, maintain relationships, or enjoy life.

 

The Sleep-Related Causes of Chronic Fatigue

Fatigue can stem from a variety of medical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. But sleep disorders are among the most common—and most treatable—causes.

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

One of the leading causes of chronic fatigue in Calgary residents is sleep apnea. This condition occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing and frequent nighttime awakenings—even if you don’t remember them.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Loud snoring

  • Gasping or choking during sleep

  • Morning headaches

  • Dry mouth

  • Irritability or mood changes

  • Trouble concentrating

  • Daytime sleepiness

Even if you think you’re getting a full night’s rest, sleep apnea can significantly reduce sleep quality by preventing your body from reaching deeper, restorative sleep stages.

2. Insomnia

Insomnia—the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep—can leave you feeling physically and mentally drained. People with insomnia often feel fatigued all day, and their bodies never fully recover from the sleep they miss.

At The Sleep Institute, we offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), a gold-standard, non-medication approach that retrains your brain and body to sleep more naturally.

3. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) & Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)

These conditions cause involuntary leg movements or uncomfortable sensations that disrupt sleep. Many people with RLS or PLMD don’t realize they’re affected until a Level I sleep study reveals frequent nighttime disturbances.

4. Circadian Rhythm Disorders

If your internal clock is out of sync, it can wreak havoc on your sleep-wake cycle. Shift workers and frequent travelers often experience this, but it can happen to anyone.

 

Why Calgary Residents Are at Risk

Living in a bustling city like Calgary has its perks—but it can also contribute to chronic fatigue through:

  • Long commutes

  • High stress levels

  • Overuse of screens and technology

  • Irregular sleep schedules

Add in undiagnosed sleep disorders, and it’s no wonder so many people are seeking answers.

The good news? Help is available—and it starts with understanding your sleep.

How The Sleep Institute in Calgary Can Help

At The Sleep Institute, we offer a physician-led, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating chronic fatigue caused by sleep disorders. Here's how we do it:

✅ Step 1: Sleep Consultation With a Certified Sleep Specialist

Unlike many clinics, where care is managed by technicians, every patient at TSI is assessed and guided by a certified Sleep Specialist Physician. We take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle so we can develop the right plan for you.

✅ Step 2: Diagnostic Sleep Testing

Depending on your symptoms, you may be referred for:

Level III Home Sleep Study

Using the Remmers Sleep Recorder, this convenient, in-home test tracks your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep disruptions. It’s pain-free and easy to use.

Level I In-Lab Sleep Study (Polysomnography)

For more complex cases, you may need a comprehensive overnight study at a partner lab. This test tracks brain waves, heart rhythm, eye movement, muscle activity, and breathing—all while you sleep.

These tests allow us to diagnose conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, PLMD, or RLS with precision.

✅ Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, we create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs. Options may include:

  • CPAP therapy for sleep apnea

  • Oral appliances (dental devices)

  • CBT-I for insomnia

  • Lifestyle coaching for sleep hygiene and weight loss

  • Medication review to eliminate substances disrupting sleep


Covered by Alberta Health

One of the many benefits of The Sleep Institute is that all consultations are covered by Alberta Health Services (AHS). This makes it easy and affordable to get the sleep care you need.


Don’t Settle for Feeling Tired All the Time

Chronic fatigue is more than a personal inconvenience—it’s a barrier to your health, productivity, and overall happiness. If you’ve tried everything but still feel exhausted, it’s time to look at your sleep.

At The Sleep Institute, we’re here to help Calgarians uncover the real reason behind their fatigue—and finally get the rest they deserve.


Book Your Consultation in Calgary Today

Ready to take the first step toward more energy and better sleep? Contact The Sleep Institute today to schedule your initial consultation. It’s time to stop surviving and start thriving—one good night’s sleep at a time.

 

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