Impact of Sleep Loss in Residency – A Reflection

Abstract Sleep is one of the most fundamental aspects of human life, attributed as one of the most vital aspects for the overall fitness, including cell repair, thermoregulation, immune function, energy conservation, and memory. Moreover, yet millions of people worldwide are increasingly getting less than the recommended 7–9 h of sleep every night, which in effect results in detrimental effects in one’s memory, physical health, and emotional stability. Healthcare workers have the second highest percentage of sleep deprivation at 45% while the importance of sleep is heavily emphasized during medical training, there still seems to be a gap with the way residents’ duty hours are allocated given the work hour limit goes up to 28 h per shift. This paper discusses resident duty hours from a perspective from a former resident.