When 29 anesthesiology residents were evaluated on a high-fidelity driving simulator at 8:00 AM following 6 consecutive night shifts all measured driving skills were significantly impaired, compared to when the same test was administered 10 days following transition to day shifts. Speed, lane position, throttle and steering showed significant impairment, as well as major and minor lapses in attention following the night shift period.
PositiveTip: Good quality sleep and avoiding circadian disruptions are essential to optimal driving safety.