Jens Riewa Faces Chronic Sleep Deprivation Due to Irregular Working Hours
Jens Riewa discussing his routine at 'Tagesschau': "Persistent Internal Time Discord"
Jens Riewa, the chief announcer of ARD's renowned news program "Tagesschau," has been living with a constant inner jet lag for years. His irregular working hours, which include appearances on various news programs, not just the main "Tagesschau" broadcast, have created a constant battle with his internal body clock and caused severe sleep deprivation.
Riewa's demanding, shift-changing schedule requires him to be present at widely varying times, including early morning shows starting at 3:30 a.m. or late-night shifts from 10:15 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., followed by daytime duties the next day. This irregularity prevents a regular sleep rhythm, forcing him to "work constantly against the internal clock," resulting in persistent fatigue and exhaustion.
The profound impacts of this ongoing sleep deficit are significant. Riewa has described the situation as the "highest form of torture," severely affecting his overall life quality, daily form, and interpersonal interactions. His sleep pattern is barely regular, and the constant tiredness is a significant impact on his life.
Despite these hardships, Riewa remains a prominent figure on the "Tagesschau." His openness about his struggles adds to his familiarity in German television, and his strains from his profession are evident, despite his commitment to his work. In the podcast "Breakfast with Barbara" with Barbara Schöneberger, Riewa shares his professional challenges in an open manner, providing insights into the darker sides of his profession.
Riewa humorously suggests writing a book about sleep deprivation, reflecting his resilience in the face of adversity. His honesty about his profession's challenges highlights the personal struggles behind television life. The key problem related to his announcer role remains the irregular working hours causing chronic sleep difficulties and stress.
Riewa, who is 62 years old, has been a staple of the "Tagesschau" on ARD for nearly 30 years. His dedication to his work is evident, yet the challenges he faces due to his irregular hours are undeniable. The public's appreciation for his honesty and transparency is a testament to the importance of open dialogue about the realities of working in the media industry.
Science has shown that chronic sleep deprivation, like Jens Riewa faces due to his irregular working hours, can negatively affect overall health-and-wellness. Despite this, Riewa's commitment to his role as the chief announcer of "Tagesschau" and his openness about the struggles he faces have led him to even contemplate writing a book on the topic of sleep deprivation – a testament to the resilience of science and the human spirit.
