This National Sleep Awareness Month, IKEA Canada is addressing a pressing issue that affects families across the country—sleep poverty. As a leader in home furnishings, IKEA said it is dedicated to helping people achieve better sleep because, as the company believes, a good night’s sleep is essential for a healthier, happier life. In line with this mission, IKEA Canada has launched its first-of-its-kind global IKEA Sleep Report 2025, which explores how people sleep, what affects their sleep quality, and how these issues can be addressed.
A key finding of the report highlights the connection between financial insecurity and poor sleep quality. Those experiencing financial struggles report a 15% decrease in sleep quality compared to the average person. This insight led IKEA to explore the realities of sleep poverty—where thousands of children and families across Canada lack access to a proper bed, contributing to disrupted sleep patterns.
“One of the most concerning things we found in our research was the number of children who go to sleep each night without a proper bed,” said Tanya Bevington, Head of Communications at IKEA Canada.
“At IKEA, we believe every child deserves a safe, comfortable place to sleep. That’s why we’re taking action to ensure as many kids as possible have access to a quality bed.”
To raise awareness about this hidden crisis, IKEA Canada has launched the Sleepless Lamp, an innovative installation designed to spotlight the sleep deprivation faced by nearly 500,000 children in Canada. The lamp visually represents the fragmented and erratic sleep of children affected by sleep poverty. Inspired by real sleep data, the Sleepless Lamp flickers and dims to mirror the sleep disruptions that many children experience—up to 20 per hour—due to inadequate sleeping environments, such as lack of proper beds or supportive mattresses.
Children suffering from sleep poverty are more likely to experience a range of health and developmental challenges, including:
- 38% higher likelihood of reporting feelings of sadness
- 24% of adolescents with poor sleep quality experience lower academic performance
- Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of cognitive impairment, obesity, and mental health issues
- 17.2% of children with insufficient sleep report hyperactivity, compared to 11.9% of those who get adequate sleep
“We’re using the Sleepless Lamp to shed light on the real, emotional impact of sleep deprivation,” said Bevington. “Sleep isn’t just about rest—it’s foundational to a child’s health and wellbeing. We want to raise awareness and make sure that every child has access to a good night’s sleep.”
IKEA Canada’s commitment goes beyond awareness—through a partnership with Furniture Bank, IKEA is investing $300,000 over three years to provide 1,200 Sleep Well Kits in 2025. Each kit includes a bed, mattress, pillow, bedding, and a soft toy, designed to provide essential sleep support for children in need. Additionally, IKEA is committed to refurbishing and redistributing gently used mattresses and other sleep essentials to ensure that they meet health and safety standards.
“When a child lacks a proper bed, they’re not just missing furniture—they’re missing the foundation for success in school, emotional wellbeing, and healthy development,” said Dan Kershaw, Executive Director of Furniture Bank. “Working with IKEA Canada, we’re shining a light on this hidden struggle and providing real solutions, one Sleep Well Kit at a time.”
IKEA is also advocating for government action on sleep poverty by calling for the establishment of a National Sleep Well Program and the introduction of a tax credit for vulnerable Canadians to help them access essential home furnishings.
To further support this cause, Canadians can engage in the movement by signing the pledge at IKEA.ca/SleeplessLamp, donating directly to Furniture Bank, or visiting the Sleepless Lamp installation at Scarborough Town Centre from March 27-30. The immersive installation offers free entry, with no reservations required.
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