Specialist Perspectives

SleepDebt.ca has partnered with renowned specialists from across Canada to get their takes on the impact of sleep issues on health. Did you know that sleep issues can increase your risk of conditions like mental health disorders, type 2 diabetes, and obesity? And that perimenopause and menopause can increase your risk of developing sleep issues?

Specialist Perspectives

Man sleeping

Get to know the specialists and hear what they have to say!

Dr. Diane McIntosh
Dr. Diane McIntosh,
Psychiatrist
Dr. McIntosh is a widely respected psychiatrist, author, educator, mental health advocate, and authority on the diagnosis and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. In addition to 25 years of direct experience providing patient care, Diane’s career-long focus has been on improving access to evidence-based psychiatric knowledge and expertise through technology and education. She co-founded SwitchRx, an online psychotropic switching tool used by over 100,000 healthcare professionals worldwide, and is the founder of PsychedUpCME, a continuing medical education program. Dr. McIntosh is the author of three books and is the Founder and CEO of an innovative mental health technology, RAPIDS, which was developed to support clinicians by providing them with rapid access to personalized, evidence-based psychiatric guidance.
Dr. Diane McIntosh

The Impact of Sleep Issues on Mental Health

Dr. Alison Shea
Dr. Alison Shea,
Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Dr. Shea is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist who has dedicated her career to understanding menopause and reproductive mental health. She has an expanded scope of practice, recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario in the field of Reproductive Mental Health. With training in both gynecology and psychiatry, Dr. Shea is able to understand how patient experiences and hormones affect their wellbeing.
Dr. Alison Shea

How Menopause Symptoms Can Cause Sleep Issues

Dr. Akshay Jain
Dr. Akshay Jain,
Endocrinologist
Dr. Jain is the first Canadian physician to be triple certified in Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, and Obesity Medicine.Dr. Jain is passionate about helping patients to understand, and better manage, their diabetes.
Dr. Akshay Jain

The Connection Between Sleep Issues and Type 2 Diabetes

Dr. Sue Pedersen
Dr. Sue Pedersen,
Endocrinologist
Dr. Pedersen is a specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolism, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is passionate about helping to conquer the stigma against obesity, educating healthcare professionals and the public about obesity, and helping us become a healthier society! In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Pedersen engages in public education through her podcast Dishing the Science, addressing common misconceptions about obesity and health.
Dr. Sue Pedersen

The Cycle of Weight Gain and Sleep Issues

Woman getting up from a restful sleep

Treatment Options

Effective treatments are available for Canadians with insomnia.
Explore the Options
Woman talking to her doctor

Talk to Your Doctor

Not sure how to approach the topic of sleep issues with your doctor? We’ve got you covered.
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