The White House has moved into damage control after US President Joe Biden's comments about his work hours were leaked.

The President held a meeting with over 20 Democratic governors on Wednesday in Washington D.C. amid fallout from his debate performance.

He told the gathering he needed more sleep, wished to work fewer hours, and wanted to avoid events after 8pm, according to two anonymous meeting participants who told The New York Times.

Mr Biden's campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon said "he was clearly making a joke" and the President followed the odd gag by saying "all kidding aside".

Spokesman for the Biden campaign, Kevin Munoz, defended the President's bizarre remarks by comparing the US leader's schedule to former presidents.

“President Bush went to bed at 9, and President Obama made dinner at 6:30. Normal presidents strike a balance, and so does Joe Biden," he said.