A research report submitted to the faculty of Health Sciences, University of the
Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
degree of Master of Science in Medicine in Anaesthesiology
Johannesburg, 2016Background: Sleep deprivation is known to have multiple pathophysiological,
psychological and cognitive effects. The effects of sleep deprivation on
anaesthetists have been recognised both within and outside of the workplace.
Guidelines and strategies have been proposed to counteract some of the effects of
sleep deprivation. This study investigated the perceived effects of sleep
deprivation amongst anaesthetists.
Method: A prospective, contextual, descriptive research design was followed for
the study. Anaesthetists completed a questionnaire regarding perceptions and
effects of sleep deprivation and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).
Results: A mean longest time spent without sleep due to work schedule of 31 (SD
9.1) hours. The mean score from the ESS was 11.5 (SD 4.4), indicating mild
sleepiness. Sixty-one (57%) anaesthetists reported insufficient sleep due to work
schedule 1 to 2 nights per week and the majority reported perceptions of the
effects of sleep deprivation at work in the 1 to 2 times per week category. Sixtytwo
(57.9%) anaesthetists have dozed off in theatre during the day and 85 (79.4%)
have dozed off in theatre on a night call with varying degrees of regularity.
Fifty-two (48.6%) anaesthetists perceived making mistakes related to sleepiness
and 74 (69.2%) making mistakes unrelated to sleepiness. Due to sleepiness, 44
(41.1%) anaesthetists reported a percutaneous injury, 101 (94.4%) anaesthetists
admitted to feeling at risk of a motor vehicle accident and 99 (92.5%) anaesthetists
missed social or family activities because of sleepiness. Strategies to reduce
sleepiness were assessed. Eighty-seven (81.3%) anaesthetists consumed at least
one caffeinated beverage per day.
Conclusion: Anaesthetists reported perceptions of inadequate sleep and the
subsequent effects. The mean score from the ESS indicated a mild sleepiness
level. Few anaesthetists used strategies to reduce the effects of sleep deprivation.MT201
