Sensorimotor and Executive Function Slowing in Anesthesiology Residents After Overnight Shifts

Abstract

Physicians and medical residents working overnight shifts suffer from sleep deprivation, cognitive dysfunction, and decreased sensorimotor performance due to disturbances in circadian rhythms. This can lead to medical errors and work-related injuries and accidents. This observational study used Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) and 2 novel touch-based tablet applications (ProPoint andAntiPoint tasks) to determine whether cognitive and sensorimotor performances slowed in residents following overnight call compared with routine daytime shift. The effects of stress, rest, and caffeine consumption on these measures were also evaluated. The study data were composed of 30 anesthesiology residents in the daytime shifts (Routine) and 30 residents in the overnight shift (Call) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. The participating residents were asked to perform the