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Jaded Vladimir Putin has revealed he isn't getting enough sleep.

The Kremlin strongman has opened up about his bedroom secrets, telling how he's getting by on just four or five hours a night, suggesting he feels he needs more.

The rare glimpse into the Russian president's private life came in an overheard conversation with Belarus dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko during a visit to Minsk.

Putin, who apparently did not realise his microphone was switched on before a press conference, admitted to Lukashenko that he hadn't gone to bed until 3am.

(Image: Barcroft)

Lukashenko asked Putin: "Is all ok?"

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Putin replied: "It's ok. But I sleep very little. The day before yesterday I slept for four hours. And last night I slept for five hours....really little."

He used his fingers to emphasise how many hours sleep he got.

(Image: Barcroft)

Read more:Is Vladimir Putin secretly the world's richest man?

Lukashenko replied: "Literally? That's very little, of course."

Putin - who prides himself on his macho image and peak fitness by regularly taking part in judo contests or playing ice hockey continued: "I went to bed at 3 am and I had to wake up at 8 am."

Putin and Lukashenko also agreed the relations between their two countries were the "most advanced" among ex-Soviet states, even though the Minsk president has lately sought improved relations with the European Union.

(Image: Barcroft)

Recent years have seen Putin on collision course with the West over the Ukraine, Syria and his seizure of the Crimea peninsula in the Black Sea and Syria.

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Western sanctions and low oil prices have led to severe economic problems for the Russians.

Former KGB spy Putin has ruled Russia either as president or prime minister for the past 17 years.

The Russian leader has not revealed any details about his private life since his divorce from former Kremlin first lady Lyudmila in 2014.

Unconfirmed rumours say his secret partner is glamorous Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva, 33, but both have previously denied they are in a relationship.

Related video - Putin drops to the ground during an ice hockey match