Sleep patterns 'must be addressed among junior doctors'
Published: 26 May 2010
More needs to be done to encourage junior doctors to improve their sleep patterns.
Calls have been made for junior doctors to be given more opportunities to get a good night's sleep.According to the British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland, sporadic shifts mean it can often be difficult for them to get sufficient time under their duvet covers.
"It is essential that the problems associated with working irregular shift patterns are recognised and reduced," said Dr Gordon Lehany, chair of BMA Scotland's Scottish Junior Doctors Committee.
Findings from the BMA show that in a number of instances, junior doctors have to work seven consecutive 12.5-hour night shifts.
This has a significant impact on their ability to sleep as they have to doze off during the hours of daylight, potentially confusing their body clocks.
The Sleep Council's Jessica Alexander recently recommended that people have at least six hours sleep a night in order to be fully rested and alert for the day ahead.
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