To Sleep, Perchance to Dream: Acute and Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Acute Care Surgeons

Physician burnout is estimated to be as high at 50% in American surgeons and is a major concern developing from sleep deprivation, along with depression, increased incidence of medical errors, and more. This study examines the sleep patterns of acute care surgeons and finds that they are consistent with patterns of sleep deprivation, raising the question of continued need for research into the relationship between surgeon scheduling, sleep deprivation, burnout, and patient outcomes.