Sleep deprivation and cognitive functioning: Analysis of the impact on medical staff

Abstract

Sleep is a fundamental physiological process that performs key functions such as the restoration

and conservation of energy, endocrine regulation, and memory consolidation. Its deprivation, understood as a condition in which a person does not obtain sufficient sleep to meet their needs, can generate significant consequences for health, compromising both performance and overall quality of life. Various studies indicate that sleep deprivation directly affects cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive functioning, increasing the likelihood of errors, hindering decision-making, and slowing information processing. These effects are particularly relevant in the healthcare sector, where proper cognitive functioning is essential to ensure the highest quality of patient care. Recognizing the demanding and often exhausting work schedules faced by healthcare personnel, several studies have examined the impact of sleep deprivation with the aim of determining whether it affects professional performance. Research conducted on resident physicians has shown that prolonged shifts, particularly those lasting 24 hours or more, lead to attentional lapses, reduced information processing, and difficulties in memory retention. These cognitive impairments can become more pronounced as physical and mental fatigue accumulate throughout extended work periods. In Panama, Executive Decree No. 62 of June 27, 2024, establishes the General Regulations for Intern and Resident Physicians, outlining the parameters for working hours and extraordinary shifts. Its correct implementation, along with clearly defined daily and weekly limits, is essential to prevent work overload and sleep deprivation. In this context, analyzing the cognitive implications of sleep loss and its relationship with extended work schedules becomes crucial to safeguarding the health of medical personnel and ensuring the quality of care provided to patients.