Sleep habits of family physicians

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep disturbances are common in doctors. The way that sleep habits affect clinical practice has been the target of interest. It has been shown that clinicians with proper sleep habits are more apt to pursue the profession. It is important to know the sleep patterns of doctors in order to promote their health and good professional practice. Objectives: To understand the sleep habits of Family Physicians (MF) on weekdays, weekends, weekend and night service after; assess sleep quality and to determine the frequency of insomnia; characterize the dream content; determine the consumption of benzodiazepines (BZ) and stimulants. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in November and December 2004, through self-completed questionnaires, a convenience sample of MF Health Centres (CS) of Benfica, Odivelas, Alvalade, Angra do Heroismo, Melgaço, Monsoon and Network MGFamiliar. Results: We obtained 84 responses, mean age 44.3 years (SD = 8.6), 51.2% were male. The number of hours of sleep considered ideal for 71.4% of the sample is 8. 21.4% slept 8 hours or more during weekdays; 55.9% on average 8 hours sleep or more per night on weekends Weekend. Of the respondents, 63.1% belonged to a CS city. 19% of MF carrying night service, 56.4% sleep 8 hours or more on the following day. 10.7% of MF consider your sleep is not restful, feeling fatigued all or nearly every day, 29.8% have difficulty concentrating and excessive daytime sleepiness and 9.5% wake up with headaches. 21.4% have complaints of insomnia at least once or twice a month, and 8.3% have these complaints daily. 20.2% often have distressing dreams or nightmares at least once or twice per month. 7.1% admitted taking daily BZ. 69.0% take some kind of exciting all or nearly every day, the substance being coffee preferred by 73%. Coffee consumption is one to three per day in 80.6% of cases. Conclusions: The study highlights the high percentage of MF sleeping fewer hours than those who consider the ideal for you. It is found that there is a significant considering its non-restful sleep. Complaints of insomnia are a frequent problem. Unlike what happens with the BZ consumption, the use of stimulants is usual.