Presidents with Sleep Problems: Franklin D. Roosevelt

February 12, 2026

PRESIDENTS WITH SLEEP PROBLEMS: FDR

32nd president of the United States and the only one to serve four terms, Franklin D. Roosevelt took the United States out of the Great Depression and created financial firewalls that protect the country to this day. Because of his great achievements, it can be hard to believe that FDR had sleep apnea. However, it’s very likely that FDR died from long-term complications from sleep apnea.

Black and white portrait of a smiling man in formal attire.

How Sleep Problems Affected FDR

Here are some key indicators that Roosevelt had sleep apnea:

1. Heart complications: Because of his cardiac condition, it is believed that FDR suffered from central sleep apnea.

2. Morning fatigue: Within years of his death, FDR was noticeably tired in the mornings, suffered from headaches in the evenings, and complained about his excessive sleeping. Sometimes he nodded off in the middle of conversations, and once even fell asleep while singing his name on a letter.

3. Other predisposing factors: FDR had a few other risk factors for sleep apnea, including smoking, snoring, fitful sleep, and polio.

Sleep apnea increases one’s risk for hypertension, or high blood pressure, which heavily contributes to heart failure. CPAP not only helps to mitigate the negatives effects of high blood pressure, but it can also help to treat cardiac problems.

FDR developed hypertension later in life and passed away from heart failure at age 63. His death may have been prevented if he were properly diagnosed and treated for central sleep apnea.

Illustration of a man experiencing sleep issues and snoring.

What FDR Needed: ResMed’s AirSense 11 CPAP

CPAP machines have evolved a lot throughout the years, which is why FDR would have an easy time staying compliant. We would recommend him ResMed’s newest CPAP on the market with the most updated technology. The AirSense 11 Auto CPAP has a variety of features to make sleeping with CPAP easier than ever, including:

Humidification: 7 levels of humidity and an optional heated tube ensures you don’t dry out
EPR: Expiratory Pressure Relief reduces pressure upon exhale, avoiding high pressure mask leaks
AutoRamp: Starts your sleep therapy at a low pressure so you fall asleep more comfortably

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