January through March in Alberta can feel like a grind.
The holidays are over. The days are short. It’s dark when you start and dark when you finish. And somewhere along the way, you notice something else:
- You’re more tired than usual.
- You’re forgetting things you normally wouldn’t.
- It’s harder to focus.
- You feel mentally “slower.”
Most people chalk it up to winter, and sometimes, that’s fair. However, if your brain fog and fatigue aren’t improving, or if they’re affecting your work, your safety, or your day-to-day life, it might be worth looking a little deeper. Let’s take a look.
What Is “Brain Fog,” Really?
Brain fog isn’t a medical diagnosis. It’s how people describe symptoms like:
- Trouble concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Mental fatigue
- Slower thinking
- Headaches
- Feeling “off” or not sharp
Your brain needs two things to function properly:
- Restorative sleep
- A steady supply of oxygen
If either one is disrupted, your thinking, mood, and energy take a hit.
The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Brain Fog
One of the most common, and most missed, causes of chronic fatigue and focus problems is obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea happens when your airway repeatedly collapses during sleep. Breathing stops for short periods. Oxygen levels drop. Your brain briefly wakes you up to restart breathing. You may not remember waking up, but your sleep gets fragmented all night long.
Common sleep apnea symptoms include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking at night
- Waking up unrefreshed
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Trouble concentrating
- High blood pressure
According to the Canadian Thoracic Society and Heart & Stroke Canada, untreated sleep apnea is linked to:
- Memory issues
- Mood changes
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
If you’re sleeping 7–8 hours but still waking up exhausted, sleep quality, not sleep quantity, may be the issue.
ARC Network provides full sleep studies, home sleep testing, CPAP therapy and support, and ongoing monitoring. And yes, CPAP treatment has been shown to improve daytime alertness and cognitive function in many patients once sleep quality improves.
Low Oxygen Levels Can Leave You Mentally and Physically Drained
Your brain uses about 20% of your body’s oxygen supply.
If oxygen levels are low, even slightly, you may notice:
- Fatigue with minimal activity
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble concentrating
- Reduced endurance
Low oxygen levels (called hypoxemia) can occur with conditions like:
- COPD
- Chronic bronchitis
- Asthma
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Heart failure
- Post-viral lung inflammation
When oxygen delivery is compromised, your body works harder. Your heart pumps faster. Your brain struggles to function efficiently. That can show up as brain fog before anything else.
Why Winter Makes It Worse in Alberta
There’s a reason this conversation peaks between January and March. Alberta winters add several layers of stress to your system:
1. Dry indoor air
Furnaces dry out your airways, which can worsen breathing problems.
2. Cold air exposure
Cold air causes airway narrowing (bronchospasm), especially in people with asthma or COPD.
3. More respiratory viruses
Influenza, RSV, and other viruses circulate heavily in winter. Even mild infections can cause lingering inflammation and fatigue.
4. Reduced daylight
Less sunlight can disrupt circadian rhythms, which affects sleep quality.
5. Less activity
When you’re moving less, circulation drops and energy levels follow. Winter doesn’t cause sleep apnea or oxygen problems, but it can make underlying issues more noticeable.
When Is Brain Fog a Red Flag?
Some winter fatigue is normal.
But you should consider an assessment if:
- Fatigue lasts longer than 2–3 weeks
- You wake up tired every single day
- You snore heavily or stop breathing during sleep
- You’re short of breath doing routine work
- You fall asleep easily during the day
- Your focus issues are affecting safety or performance
- You have a history of heart or lung disease
If you’re working long days, driving equipment, or making decisions that require sharp thinking, persistent fatigue isn’t something to ignore.
What ARC Network Can Check
If you decide to get answers, here’s what that might involve:
- Sleep testing (home or in-clinic)
- Pulmonary Function Testing
- Oxygen level assessments
- Cardiology consultations and diagnostics
- CPAP therapy setup and support
- Home oxygen evaluations
These are non-invasive tests designed to give clarity, not complicate your life. Sometimes the result is reassurance. Sometimes it’s a treatment plan that dramatically improves energy and focus. Either way, you know.
Practical Steps You Can Take Now
While you’re deciding whether to book an appointment, here are a few simple steps:
- Ask your partner if you snore or stop breathing at night
- Track how often you wake up tired
- Monitor shortness of breath with routine activity
- Stay hydrated — even in winter
- Check Alberta’s Air Quality Health Index on poor air days
- Keep indoor humidity between 30–50%
And most importantly: Don’t normalize exhaustion that feels different from your usual tired.
You Don’t Have to “Push Through” It
Most people are good at working through fatigue, but your body has early warning systems for a reason. If brain fog, exhaustion, or shortness of breath have become your new normal this winter, it might be time to check what’s going on behind the scenes. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
ARC Network is here to help Albertans breathe easier, sleep better, and stay sharp, even in the middle of winter.