SYDNEY, May 1 Sleepiness among judges and other members of the judiciary is not uncommon and is viewed unfavorably by the media and society, says an Australian study.
Judicial sleepiness is clearly seen as undermining confidence in the judicial process, according to the study published in the journal Sleep.
Dr. Ronald R. Grunstein of Sydney conducted an in-depth qualitative review of media and Internet reports on judicial sleepiness in Australia and found 15 recent cases of judicial sleepiness reported by the media in recent years.
"Regulatory processes and health screening to ensure the fitness for duty of the judiciary, legal counsel and even juries, including the active monitoring of the judiciary for sleepiness and sleep disorders, may be required to ensure that confidence is maintained in the judicial system in the future," Grunstein said in a statement. Experts recommend that adults get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night to maintain good health and optimum performance, Grunstein advises.
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