Sluggish Home Sales Facilitate Inventory Recovery
Home sales edged down by 1.7% between March and April, marking the second monthly decrease in five months. Provincially, April saw decreases in Nova Scotia (-6.3%), Alberta (-4.5%), Manitoba (-4.1%), Ontario (-2.9%), Quebec (-1.3%), P.E.I. (-0.6%), and B.C. (-0.5%). Conversely, increases were recorded in New Brunswick (+12.7%), Saskatchewan (+11.5%), and Newfoundland (+4.4%). Looking ahead, strong demographic growth, low vacancy rates in the rental market, and the possibility of modest interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada could support transaction levels. However, significant uncertainty remains due to potential further deterioration in the labor market and persistent affordability issues, leading to a cautiously optimistic outlook for a housing market rebound.
On the supply side, new listings increased by 2.8% from March to April, the third rise in four months. This increase might be due to renewed seller confidence in closing transactions under current market conditions or growing financial distress forcing some owners to sell. Although the latter remains a marginal factor for now, it will be important to monitor as the Canadian economy potentially continues to deteriorate. Another relevant indicator is the falling proportion of listings canceled during the month in recent months. Overall, active listings jumped by 5.8% in April following stabilization in the previous month. Consequently, the number of months of inventory (active listings-to-sales) increased from 3.9 in March to 4.2 in April. As a result, market conditions loosened but remained tighter than historical averages in most provinces, with balanced conditions in Manitoba and B.C., and softer than average conditions in Ontario.
6 Tips to Enhance Your Sleep
Sleep is more than just rest—it’s your body’s ultimate repair session, boosting immunity and revitalizing you from head to toe. For people living with arthritis and chronic pain, there is a vicious cycle where pain causes stress, disrupts sleep, and leads to more discomfort.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reclaim peaceful nights and set yourself up for sleep success. Here are six tips to help you catch more Zs:
**Limit screen time:** Exposure to blue light from electronic devices tricks your brain into thinking it’s daytime, delaying the production of melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep. Unplug at least one hour before bed to restore your natural sleep rhythm.
**Improve your environment:** As you age, sensitivity to noise, light, and movements increases, causing disruptions in your sleep cycle. Invest in a supportive mattress and pillows, use ear plugs or eye masks, and avoid sleeping with pets to create your optimal sleep sanctuary.
**Get moving:** Exercise is a key component of good sleep. It boosts adenosine activity in the brain, which supports your sleep drive, and releases endorphins, which improve your mood. Exercising for 20 to 30 minutes four times a week can help you sleep well at night and feel good all day.
**Watch what you drink:** Avoid caffeinated beverages or snacks after 4 p.m., as caffeine can keep you stimulated and awake past your bedtime. Although alcohol may relax you initially, it disrupts and reduces the quality of your sleep. If you’re thirsty toward bedtime, limit yourself to light sips of water to avoid multiple visits to the washroom throughout the night.
**Plan your routine:** Establish a structured bedtime routine with a checklist of to-dos to help you get into bed on time. If you end up going to bed late, try to wake up at the same time in the morning. It’s better to feel tired for one day than to alter your regular sleep schedule.
**Mind the meds:** Some medications used to treat arthritis pain are stimulants, so it’s preferable to take them in the morning rather than before bed. Follow your pharmacist’s recommendations on when to take prescribed drugs for the best results.
Find more wellness tips from Arthritis Society Canada at arthritis.ca/living-well.
