Sleep Status of Residents in Neurology Department

Kim, Won Joo

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
For evaluating the work load for medical residents, it is important to search the work hours and sleep status. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sleep status of residents in neurology department in Korea.
METHODS
We recruited neurological residents of 12 university hospitals. They completed questionnaires including their sleep and work hours, sleep habit, Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and health problems.
RESULTS
We excluded the residents who were previously diagnosed with sleep disorders. One hundred and three residents (male 67, female 36) were analyzed. Average sleep duration on off duty days was 5.8+/-0.9 hours, on duty days was 4.6+/-1.3 hours and mean work hours was 14.6+/-2.3 hours. Average SSS score was 2.6+/-1.0 and ESS was 10.6+/-5.1. Group analyzed by training years showed short sleep duration in first and second years of training. ESS score was higher in first and second years compare to other years.
CONCLUSIONS
Most neurological residents were suffering from sleep deprivation especially first and second years of training. They also reported more sleepiness and drowsiness during the daytime.