Candidates also fight sleep deprivation
Published: Feb. 4, 2008 at 2:02 PM
Presidential candidates and their staffs are squeezing in more appearances, interviews and strategy sessions and less sleep, and as a result, sleep deprivation is likely to make its mark on the campaign, a statement by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine said.
The most obvious effect of sleep deprivation is daytime sleepiness, demonstrated last month by former President Bill Clinton, who was videotaped nodding off during a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
However, the academy also said sleep deprivation can have a severe impact on a candidate's mood and performance, increasing the likelihood of a memory lapse, a risky decision, a critical mistake, an improper comment or an angry outburst.
Although caffeine, other stimulants or brief naps may provide short-term relief, the only sure way for a candidate to overcome sleep deprivation is to increase nightly sleep. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine said about 20 percent of U.S. adults fail to get enough sleep, while an estimated 50 million to 70 million people in the United States suffer from a chronic sleep disorder.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
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This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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