Working the night shift: preparation, survival and recovery - a guide for junior doctors

Abstract

Following the implementation of the European Working Time Directive Regulations, almost all junior doctors in the UK now work full night-shifts. An RCP 50-member working group was established to develop a practical guide to help junior doctors prepare, survive and recover from working night shifts. The guide, set out in this paper, examines the evidence concerning the hazards of shiftwork, and techniques that can be used to reduce risk. The main advice is to minimise sleep debt by taking additional two-hour sleeps in the afternoon before a shift, and 20- to 45-minute naps during the night shift. It is hoped that the advice will make the challenge of night shift work not only easier to tolerate, but also safer for both hospital patients and their doctors.