Doctor chimes in on Dale Depew’s lack of sleep after Tiffin business owner raises the alarm

TIFFIN, OH — After the editor of a local publication sent out an email earlier this week responding to concerns that he “may not be getting enough sleep,” new information from a nationally-recognized doctor may provide hints on how much sleep Depew — and others — should be getting.

Depew noted in his Tuesday edition of his email newsletter that he “appreciates” the questions and comments he apparently received from concerned readers regarding his sleep, or lack thereof.

“I hear from a lot of you about your concern for my possible lack of sleep,” Depew wrote. “I appreciate that, and I am working toward getting more of the [Seneca News Daily] done during daylight hours, but when my day is full of meetings and of course work, then sometimes that is not possible.”

Eric J. Olson, M.D., a sleep medicine specialist for Mayo Clinic, says adults should get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Depew said in his e-mail that he tends to get less than 6 hours per night.

“Some people claim to feel rested on just a few hours of sleep a night, but their performance is likely affected. Research shows that people who sleep so little over many nights don’t perform as well on complex mental tasks as do people who get closer to seven hours of sleep a night,” Olson said.

Depew, who is an active member of the local Republican Party and owner of Seneca Cleaners, a dry cleaning business, then went on to explain that on Monday evening, he decided to “take a 20 minute nap” with his goal of getting over 6 hours of sleep.

Depew says he will use his FitBit watch to track his sleep to ensure he is getting the proper amount.

“Your concern for my health is noted and appreciated.  Probably as much as not calling me at 8am on Tuesday morning,” Depew added.

Depew made headlines earlier this year after he threatened legal action against the chairman of the Seneca County Republican Party, David Koehl.

Are you concerned about Depew’s lack of sleep? Let us know in the comments!