Another study showing that lack of sleep can increase patient safety errors in the healthcare profession.

This research assessed the impact of working extended duration shifts among medical students and interns. It looked at patient safety and the well-being of medical interns.

Among the findings:

Extended duration work shifts are associated with adverse effects on patient safety.

Extended duration work shifts affect medical education. Interns who were sleep deprived fell asleep during lectures or while studying.

Medical errors associated with self-reports on stress show the impact on the overall well being of the intern.

Extended Duration Work Shifts and Preventable Adverse Events: A Risk to Patients and Physicians by L. Barger, N. Ayas, B. Cade, J. Cronin, B. Rosner, F. Speizer and C. Czeisler was presented at Sleep 2007, the 21st annual meeting of the Association Professional Sleep Professionals Societies, LLC.