Why Sleep Well?

In the era of Evidence-Based Medicine, it is amazing young doctors and medical students are forgetting that they took the Hippocratic Oath, and not the Hypocritical Oath. But, who can blame them? Research shows that sleep deprivation impairs memory and learning... And, it's hard to sleep in the age of 24+ hour work days. Physicians and student doctors take an oath to serve and care for their patients. Compassionate physicians and students work hard for their patients. This is a virtue, but moderation is critical, for another virtue of medicine is reason. Why is it important to sleep well? Start by reading an excellent overview regarding sleep and fatigue in medical practice from the Agency for Health Research and Quality. You can also read more below, and find tips on how to actually acheive healthy sleep, given your work and lifestyle.

For Patient Safety

The Institute of Medicine's report on errors in medicine ranking among the top killers in America vaulted physician error into the national spotlight. Numerous studies have shown that error rates are higher in the sleep-deprived physician and resident-- a truth which likely also extends to the sleep-deprived student.

For Your Health and Safety

Drowsy Driving Kills (and is ILLEGAL in some states)

Mental Illness

Obesity

Heart Disease

For Effective Learning

Sleep is critical for allowing the brain to consolidate experiences and working memory into long-term memory. Sleep deprivation impairs all types of learning. Medicine is a life-long profession, in which learning, caring for patients and taking care of ones own mind and body should be carefully balanced.

Clinical Research


Basic Science
Sleep deprivation impairs fear condition
Sleep and Memory- Molecular Overview

For an enjoyable work experience

I'm grumpy when I don't sleep. So are you. So are your colleagues. blah blah blah... (PLACEHOLDER)

How to Sleep Well

Specific Guidance for:

Physicians
Residents
Medical Students
Administrators

Copyright: Prescription for Sleep

Additional Help

Guide to Good Sleep
12 Steps to Good Sleep
Specific Tips for Parents
How to Get Consistent Sleep
Daytime Sleepiness Test
Sleepiness Rating, Part 2
Sleep Diary
Less Caffeine and Soda
Change School Start Times
Prevent Drowsy Driving
Sleep Disorders and Tips
Signs of Sleep Disorders
Find a Sleep Lab
SleepQuest (for Disorders)
Safe Travels

Sleep is a critical part of life. Early in life, it may seem like an annoyance, with life being so full of things to do. But, later in life, with pressures from school or work, the desire for sleep can be overwhelming, because it is critical for your body. Some people think that being able to go without sleep is a test of toughness. Certainly, staying awake is a good test of will power, and spontaneous activities late into the night are also also a fun part of life. On average, however, those who get consistent and balanced sleep (not too much, not too little, regular schedule) outperform their peers physically and mentally, and also have a higher quality, if not quantity, of wakeful hours.