Recent reports suggesting that Donald Trump has been dozing off during multiple official events have reignited concerns over his health. While the former president and his team insist that his energy levels are “boundless” and require minimal rest, experts warn that insufficient sleep can have serious consequences especially at his age.
Dr. Ritz Birah, a psychologist and sleep specialist with Panda London, cautions that Trump’s irregular and minimal sleep could be contributing to “progressive cognitive decline” as well as other significant health risks. “From a psychological and neuroscientific perspective, reports of former President Trump’s sleep schedule raise important concerns, particularly given his age and the cognitive demands of leadership,” she explained.
Adults in their late seventies, Dr. Birah notes, typically need seven to nine hours of sleep to maintain optimal brain function, emotional balance, and physical health. Yet according to statements from Trump’s inner circle, the former president is getting far less than this recommended amount. Attorney General Pam Bondi admitted in a podcast appearance that she and others often joke about keeping up with him. “None of us know when he sleeps. He’s working all the time,” she said. This pattern has raised alarm among health experts, echoing reports such as Trump Sparks Major Health Fears With Sleep Habits.
Vice President JD Vance similarly shared that Trump has no “off switch.” He recounted receiving calls from Trump in the middle of the night and early in the morning on entirely different topics. During a Fox News interview, Vance also described how Trump, even on long trips, rarely sleeps and expects those around him to maintain the same pace. Trump himself has downplayed instances of nodding off, attributing closed eyes during meetings to boredom rather than fatigue. For more context on Trump’s energy and public appearances, see Trump 79 Totally Blanks on World Events.
Experts warn that the immediate effects of sleep deprivation are significant. “In the short term, insufficient sleep reliably impairs attention, working memory, impulse control, and decision-making,” Dr. Birah said. “Emotionally, it can increase irritability, reduce stress tolerance, and make the brain more reactive rather than flexible.” These deficits can be subtle, and individuals often feel alert even while their cognitive functions are compromised. Learn more about related public reactions in NBC Viewers Fume: ‘Get This Grampa Off Our Screens’.
The long-term consequences of chronic sleep loss are even more concerning. “Repeatedly sleeping four to six hours per night leads to progressive cognitive decline comparable to total sleep deprivation,” Dr. Birah noted. Sleep debt can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, mood disturbances, and diminished executive function skills critical for complex decision-making. Erratic sleep, including fragmented naps, can disrupt the body’s natural rhythms, affecting hormone balance, stress management, and emotional stability.
Despite claims of high energy, Dr. Birah emphasizes that being alert does not equal optimal brain function. “High-performing individuals can temporarily push through sleep deprivation using adrenaline and motivation, but this does not prevent long-term damage,” she explained. Quality sleep allows the brain to consolidate information, regulate emotions, and maintain executive control.
Dr. Birah recommends that Trump prioritize consistent and restorative sleep. Maintaining regular sleep and wake times, avoiding late-night cognitive stimulation, and ensuring a sleep-friendly environment can all improve cognitive clarity and emotional resilience. She adds, “Prioritizing sleep is not a sign of weakness it’s one of the strongest predictors of sustained high-level functioning, particularly in roles demanding constant decision-making under pressure.” For further insights on Trump’s public behavior and controversies, see Donald Trump Predicts He’ll Make It to 100 and Trump Struggling Through Rare Evening Event.
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