Background
Anesthesiologists in Egypt as a representative of developing countries with large populations and shortage of trained personnel and extended working hours that may reach 30 continuous hours are susceptible victims of fatigue and sleep deprivation.
Objectives
To evaluate and compare differences in cognitive function of anesthesia residents before and after the 24 hours work shift.
Methods
Prospective, observational, cohort study that was conducted in tertiary care hospital (Kasr El-Aini Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University). Fifty anesthesia residents with 24 hours working shift participated in the study. The cognitive function was assessed before and after the shift using Psychomotor Vigilance Task, Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Trail Making Test before and after the shift.
Results
Psychomotor Vigilance Task mean reaction time before and after shift was 302.1 ± 35.2 ms and 371.9 ± 55.4 ms, respectively ( value < 0.001). Karolinska Sleepiness Scale mean before and after shift was 3.34 ± 1.189 and 6.24 ± 1.589, respectively ( value < 0.001). Epworth Sleepiness Scale mean before and after shift was 6.68 ± 2.759 and 14.86 ± 3.423, respectively ( value < 0.001). Trail Making Test mean times in both parts A and B, before shifts were 38.82 ± 8.458 and 63.16 ± 11.557 s, respectively. While, post shifts mean times were 44.86 ± 9.370 and 72.60 ± 12.294 s, respectively ( value < 0.001 for both parts).
Conclusions
Sleep deprivation in night shifts increases the day-time sleepiness and affects the anesthesiologist’ cognitive processes, such as reaction time, alertness, rapid problem solving, psychomotor skills, attention, mental flexibility, and executive functions.
Clinical trial registration ID
clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03784560.