Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Ju...( ow that naps and caffeine can combat fa...),Health

2. Short Naps Help Docs on Long Shifts

A hospital divided a group of medical interns into a group that could take an uninterrupted nap during long shifts and a group that did not have this opportunity (Article, p. 792). Sleep time was measured by a special wristwatch device. At the end of the work shift and the next day, the nap group was much less tired, even after only a short nap. One alternative to shortening work shifts for doctors would be to build naps into the work schedule.

3. Caffeinated Coffee and Naps Kept Drivers from Crossing the Line at Night

A small study of the effects of drinking coffee and napping on night driving found that driving performance was better after drinking half a cup of coffee or taking a 30-minute nap than when drinking decaffeinated coffee or not taking a nap (Article, p. 785).

While previous studies have used driving simulators, in this study 12 participants drove 125 miles on a highway in four sessions, accompanied by a professional driving instructor in a car equipped with dual controls.

An editorial writer summarizes that as the United States moves toward a 24-hour society, sleep deprivation is a growing problem in the workplace (Editorial, p. 856). The writer says that employers of night shift workers and individuals who work or drive at night have an obligation to encourage safety: even "a nap followed by a cup of coffee may save a life."

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Contact: Susan Anderson
sanderson@acponline.org
215-351-2653
American College of Physicians
5-Jun-2006