The hidden sleep risks putting cops at risk

Fitness, training, discipline and communication are core to good policing, but sleep underpins them all. Quality sleep sharpens judgment, reaction time and restraint while buffering stress and trauma. For officers working long shifts, odd hours and high-stress scenes, better sleep is a practical readiness tool — not a luxury.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Dr. Leah Kaylor, an FBI clinical psychologist who provides trauma therapy and critical-incident debriefings. Kaylor’s new book, “If Sleep Were a Drug: Why Sleep Is the Ultimate Advantage — No Prescription Required,” breaks down common sleep myths, explains how REM restores emotional balance and offers field-tested strategies officers can use tonight. The episode also tackles shift work realities, caffeine and alcohol traps, and when to seek help for sleep apnea.

About our sponsor

Flock Safety works with more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, delivering real-time intelligence through a holistic ecosystem of technology designed to keep officers safe, reduce crime, and build stronger communities. And if you’re looking for real stories from the front lines — how your peers are using these tools to shape the future of safety in their cities — tune in to Flock’s “Real Time Policing” podcast, with new episodes dropping on Wednesdays. Watch episodes on YouTube or tune in wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to view.