The use of sleep aids among Emergency Medicine residents: a web based survey
2006

Use of Sleep Aids Among Emergency Medicine Residents

Sample size: 602 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Daniel A Handel, Ali Raja, Christopher J Lindsell

Primary Institution: University of Cincinnati Medical Center

Hypothesis

Residents routinely use pharmacologic sleep aids to manage their sleep deprivation and reduce sleepiness.

Conclusion

Sleep aid use among EM residents may be common, but its effects on performance and well-being are unknown.

Supporting Evidence

  • 46% of residents regularly used sleep aids.
  • 38% of residents were excessively sleepy.
  • The study had a response rate of 16%.

Takeaway

Many emergency medicine doctors use sleep aids to help them sleep better, but we don't know how it affects their work.

Methodology

A web-based survey was conducted among US allopathic Emergency Medicine residents.

Potential Biases

Response bias may have occurred due to the low response rate and the sensitive nature of the questions.

Limitations

The study had a low response rate and relied on self-reported data.

Participant Demographics

71% male, 78% white, mean age 30 years.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI 42%–50%

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6963-6-136

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