Profession

Effects of sleep deprivation similar to effects of alcohol

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Sept. 26, 2005

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Lack of sleep affects physicians the same as drinking alcohol, according to a study in the Sept. 7 Journal of the American Medical Association.

The post-call impairment of medical residents after four weeks of heavy call was the same or worse than if they had a blood alcohol level of 0.04%, researchers reported.

Study authors recommended that residency programs develop risk-management strategies, such as providing post-call residents a place to nap before they drive home.

They also called for further work on how sleep deprivation impacts the clinical setting and patient care and safety.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/09/26/prbf0926.htm.

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