Me, I’m a proponent of “Occam’s razor.” Simply stated, that’s the medieval belief that the simplest explanation is usually better and more accurate than a complex one.

In that regard, just listen to all the talk and discussion concerning what’s wrong with the economy … politics … marriage … religion … business … law and order … youth … and on and on. There are “think tanks” all over this country noodling on topics such as these and coming back to us with their “findings,” which maybe one in 100 of us comprehend.

Employing the above-mentioned “razor,” I’ll identify a problem and it’s one everyone will understand. Sleep! The country is groggy and lethargic.

I read recently where experts say the barriers to a good night’s sleep are teeth grinding; jaw clenching; going to the bathroom; restless limbs; acid reflux; alcohol; and snoring/breathing problems.

Personally, I’m on the same page with some of the great writers when it comes to the subject of sleep. Philosophically, I’m in total agreement with Mark Twain, who said, “I have never taken any exercise except sleeping and resting.” And a hearty amen to Coleridge’s poetic observation: “O sleep! It is a gentle thing, Beloved from pole to pole!” And who’s going to argue with the Bible, right? It says “… drowsiness shall clothe a man in rags.”

If I’m correct about our collective poor sleeping habits possibly having a negative impact on American society and culture, no wonder Virgil, the poet, could speak of “Death’s brother, sleep,” while Longfellow referred to sleep as “little slices of death.” That tells me Virgil and Longfellow were “going” a lot at night or did a lot of teeth grinding and jaw clenching compared to, say, Ben Franklin. Apparently, Ben was a world class sleeper: “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”

If America is considered a person, and employing Occam’s razor again, here’s my simple explanation of the national sleep crisis that’s causing problems in every corner of the land. The country is getting old; we’ll be 236 years old this year. That means we’ll be “going” potty more and more; it can’t be helped. But the teeth grinding, jaw clenching, squirming and acid reflux have origins in being awake; in reading the paper, listening to the news, watching C-Span, keeping up with politics, cutting on talk radio; watching Dr. Phil; trying to influence elected officials and other such foolishness.

Now we can either stop that foolishness and get some rest or we can keep doing what we’re doing and succumb to the disease of living that sleep is supposed to give us relief from, that is, according to Chamfort, the witty French writer who, oddly enough, died of wounds from a bungled suicide attempt. Perhaps you don’t agree with my little theory of bad sleep being at the root of our problem. Maybe you’re more comfortable arguing trickledown economics versus the trickle up effect; fixing the tax code; arguing the vicissitudes of constitutional government; checks and balances in a democratic society. Maybe you’re a balance the budget guy or gal or want to ponder the distinction between a good citizen and a good man.

OK, go ahead, like you understand any of that stuff. My theory, on the other hand, says count some sheep or catch some Z’s. A good citizen is one who’s rested and isn’t looking to bite somebody’s head off. A clear head is better than a groggy one. And remember: In trying to become a more alert and less reactionary American through a good night’s sleep, the experts say two drinks of alcohol six hours before bedtime can interfere with sleep rhythms and thus hinder you from being, by my theory, a good citizen. Keep in mind, however, they didn’t say a thing about NyQuil.  

Bob Morgan is a retired, award-winning journalist and an author.