Doctors Working on Too Little Sleep

10 Mar Doctors Working on Too Little Sleep

Did your doctor get enough sleep last night? An Internet-based survey by the American College of Chest Physicians Sleep Institute indicates: probably not. Though 70 percent of the 581 physicians who responded that they need at least 7 hours of sleep for peak performance at work and in their daily lives, the average amount of sleep reported was actually only 6.5 hours. Additionally, more than 20 percent said they wake up not feeling refreshed a few nights a week at the least.

It’s no surprise, then, that the number of patients who are improperly treated or receive less than adequate care, is increasing. While we know that a successful legal proceeding to address medical malpractice or doctor negligence will not provide physical or emotional healing, we encourage you to contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney to discuss your legal rights.

ACCP President Alvin V. Thomas, Jr. said that physicians need to follow the same advice they give their patients. “Just as they help their patients recognize the importance of good sleep habits, physicians should take the necessary steps to ensure they are meeting their own sleep needs.”

Almost half of the physicians, on the other hand, reported that their work schedule does not allow for adequate sleep, though they try to “make it up” on the weekends or other days off.