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I received a screenshot of the results of an opinion poll over the weekend with the comment, “This could hardly be true?” The indication was that of the three parties in Government, only opinion of Fine Gael was moving in a positive trajectory. I queried what my WhatsApp political analyst buddy made of this? The response: “Sleepy Ryan to blame.”
Eamon Ryan’s nap is just the latest furore the Green Party leader has brought on himself. While apologising and acknowledging that it was not acceptable, he attributed it to “working night and day all the time flat out, full steam”.
A teacher, nurse or bus driver can’t fall asleep on the job or the consequences would be catastrophic
Social media has given him a grilling. Discussing the issue with some friends, they felt that this grilling was justly deserved, based on his wages and his career choice. “A teacher, nurse or bus driver can’t fall asleep on the job or the consequences would be catastrophic.” This I accept. However, there are only 24 hours in each day and no money or position of power can change that. And yet we have very high expectations of what our politicians can deliver within those 24 hours. Sleep when there are so many competing demands on a person’s time might not be the one that is prioritised. And yet it should be. Particularly by those making the big decisions for our little country.
Sleeping is crucial to life and yet “I don’t need much sleep” is often held up as a badge of honour. The sleep habits of several of the world’s “great” leaders are well documented. Margaret Thatcher’s formidable reputation was reinforced by the well-known fact that she slept for only four hours a night. Less reported is that her car was modified so she could nap between daytime meetings.
Napoleon rarely slept through the night but again was known for his ability to nap, even on horseback
Churchill also got by on little sleep but was a great man for the afternoon nap which he referred to as “blessed oblivion”. Napoleon rarely slept through the night but again was known for his ability to nap, even on horseback. So, although Ryan may be onto something with the napping (and let’s keep it out of the Dáil chamber) most of us still need seven to eight hours sleep a night.
The link between sleep and health is evident. Dr Mark Rowe wrote previously: “Less than six hours of regular sleep a night can increase your risk of heart attack, diabetes, depression and even dementia. Furthermore, sleep deprivation [...] is a major cause of inflammation, a weakened immune system, as well as playing havoc with your mood, attention span and willpower. Early to bed and early to rise really does make one healthier, wealthier and wiser.”
Although people may have chuckled at Ryan when he called on the population to grow salad on south-facing windowsills during COVID-19, our feedback is that “growing your own” is something people would like to do more of.
I implore anyone considering getting pigs as a hobby or to start a business, please follow the regulations
With many unsure where to start, Maria and Janine, have the second in their “Adventures in a small holding” series with the focus on pigs this week. It would be remiss of me not to note the vital importance of biosecurity in terms of small holdings. We have kept out African swine fever but it could be imported through animals or meat. So I implore anyone considering getting pigs as a hobby or to start a business, please follow the regulations and think of the commercial pig producers whose businesses would be destroyed if this disease was brought into the country. Wild pigs could reopen the Ryan “wolves” conversation and nobody wants that furore again.
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