It’s certainly a peculiar sight to witness a former president dozing off during his own trial, but according to sleep experts, there may be several factors contributing to Donald Trump’s public napping.
Ann Rogers, a sleep researcher at Emory University, noted that the courtroom environment typically induces anxiety rather than sleepiness for most people. However, Trump’s familiarity with courtrooms due to his extensive legal history might make him more comfortable, potentially increasing his likelihood of nodding off.
Audrey Wells, a sleep medicine physician, suggested that Trump’s stress from the trial, along with other legal battles, could be disrupting his sleep patterns. This stress-induced insomnia could lead to daytime sleepiness, particularly during dull courtroom proceedings.
Trump’s known risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea, such as his age, gender, and body mass index, raise the possibility that he may be experiencing sleep disturbances. His public comments about sleep deprivation and late-night phone usage further support this hypothesis.
While Trump has denied falling asleep during his trial, experts suggest that he may not be fully aware of his sleep episodes, especially if he’s only entering light stages of sleep. Regardless of his claims, his courtroom behavior has certainly raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about his health and sleep habits.