By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Samantha Horwitz and Dave Salerno

Sleep isn’t just a luxury; it’s a life‑saving necessity that many of our nation’s heroes are being denied.

The Hidden Crisis Among Those Who Serve

Rob Sweetman, a retired Navy SEAL who now runs the sleep‑focused nonprofit 62 Romeo, describes a grim reality: suicide rates among firefighters and law‑enforcement officers dwarf those of the general population, and veterans are dying by suicide every day. Sweetman links this trend to chronic sleep deprivation, noting that “sleep deprivation starts to attack our cognition… it starts to eat away at your mental health.” He points out that the very people who risk their lives in emergencies often face 72‑hour shifts that make conventional eight‑hour sleep impossible.

The problem is compounded by a health‑care system that leans heavily on prescription sedatives. Sweetman warned, “We saw the opioid epidemic. I think that we’re going to see a non‑benzo epidemic revealed in a short time because it’s a big problem.” He argues that relying on pills masks the underlying sleep deficit and leaves responders vulnerable to poor decision‑making.

Why Traditional Sleep Guidance Misses the Mark

National sleep authorities typically advise seven to nine hours of uninterrupted rest. Sweetman says that advice “won’t touch the first‑responder community with a 10‑foot pole because they have zero answers for someone who has an irregular shift.” While some suggest polyphasic sleep schedules, research is sparse and the guidance remains vague. Sweetman emphasizes that any sleep strategy must be realistic for people who can’t predict when their next shift will start.

He also highlights a less‑discussed factor: artificial light. “Blue‑core LEDs… are the number one melatonin inhibitor,” he explained, noting that the 400‑500 nanometer wavelength of most household LEDs can suppress the hormone that signals the body to wind down. This “light pollution” can keep the brain alert long after sunset, especially for those who work night shifts and rely on artificial lighting.

Practical, Low‑Cost Solutions for Better Rest

Sweetman offers a toolbox of inexpensive fixes that anyone can implement. A white‑noise machine, blackout curtains, and a simple eye mask can create a “cold, dark, quiet room” that mimics natural night conditions. He stresses the importance of consistency: “We want to be able to have consistency… that’s the most important thing within our sleep.” Even if a person can only manage six hours, maintaining a regular schedule can improve sleep quality.

He also advises a shift in mindset: “Don’t try that methodology or you’ll end up with other people that have sleep‑deprived.” Sweetman encourages listeners to ignore the stigma of “sleeping too much” and focus on their personal “magic sleep number,” whether that’s eight hours or six and a half.

From Personal Tragedy to a Mission

The urgency of Sweetman’s message is rooted in personal loss. In 2018, his Navy SEAL friend Ryan Larkin died by suicide in his father’s basement. Sweetman recounts, “I was passionately driven to find out that answer because my friend Ryan Larkin hung himself… I’m sitting here thinking about this. What can I do to help?” That tragedy propelled him into a decade of sleep research and the creation of 62 Romeo, a Colorado‑based organization that supports veterans and first responders with sleep education and resources.

Through hiking expeditions—most recently a 62‑mile trek from his Colorado land to Telluride—Sweetman demonstrates that physical endurance and mental resilience are intertwined with quality rest. He believes that by addressing sleep, we can blunt the edge of trauma and reduce the likelihood of a “bad choice” driven by exhaustion.

Why Sleep Matters for National Resilience

Sleep is more than personal health; it’s a national security issue. When first responders and veterans operate on depleted cognition, the ripple effects touch families, communities, and emergency services across the country. Sweetman’s call to action is clear: prioritize sleep as a core component of mental‑health strategy, reduce reliance on sedatives, and equip those who serve with the tools to protect their own brains.

By integrating simple environmental changes, consistent routines, and an awareness of light’s impact, the nation can give its protectors a better chance to recover, stay sharp, and continue serving with the resilience they deserve.

The full episode of A Badge of Honor TV is available on OBBM Network TV.