North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's relentless push to advance the communist movement in his state has turned him into a bit of an insomniac, according to the North's state media. Kim is rarely seen in public except for sporadic trips to unidentified military bases and industrial plants.
The strain of keeping an eye on all parts of the country means many sleepless nights for the North's "Dear Leader", official Rodong Sinmun reported.
"I spend days and months on field guidance, so I've never slept comfortably for one night," Kim was quoted as saying in the newspaper carried by the KCNA news agency's Web site on Thursday.
Kim does manage to catch up on sleep in the car, which is "the sweetest kind," the newspaper quoted him as saying.
Kim took over power from his late father Kim Il-sung, known as the "Great Leader". He died in 1994, but holds the title of President forever. The younger Kim rules the country as the top military leader.
Pictures of Kim Jong-il on field guidance missions show officials and military men closely listening to his words and taking notes.
"The people are concerned about my health and want me to rest if only for one day, but I cannot rest lest it slows the movement of the motherland," he was quoted as saying.