The Quintessential Residents Sleep Sleep Deprived Cognitive Impairment in Residents of a Large Teaching Hospital

Importance: "Sleep Deprivation" is the most severe problem for residents in training which extends to experienced physicians and nurses. Called the ?Achilles heel? of the medical profession, resulting from extended work hours and circadian rhythm disruptions. Objective: To assess the level of attention deficit and information processing efficiency before and after duty cycles (Day and Night) among residents of anaesthesiology and other clinical specialties. To suggest recommendations based on the study findings, if any, to improve the working environment and efficiency of the residents. Design and Setting: A simple prospective observational study was performed in a 1200 bedded tertiary health facility and a teaching hospital. A total of 75 residents from departments of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Surgery, Medicine and Pediatrics were randomly included in the study. They were assessed for their cognitive functions at different time intervals using subjective and objective tests. Main Outcomes: Residents treating critical subjects were stressed as compared to those managing stable patients, causing a significant deterioration in their cognition. Those working in high dependency and critical units suffered more in terms of their cognitive deficit with passing duty hours and sleep deficit. Also the Female gender handled stress better. Meals in between duty hours offered a better prospect compared to those who skipped meals as far as their information processing efficiency was being judged. For the safety of the residents and their dependent patients, we need a serious consideration of this topic to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our patients and their doctors.