29% Of Healthcare Professionals Have Been Diagnosed With Sleep Disorders

Burnout is one of the largest and most critical factors in preventing medical professionals from providing a safe standard of care for their patients.  If medical providers deviate from the standard of care it can lead to a Connecticut medical malpractice claim.  

While COVID-19 has certainly increased the level of anxiety and stress placed on our healthcare professionals, a report that focused on pre-COVID related issues recently reported that 29% of all medical providers have been diagnosed with at least one sleep disorder.  These sleep disorders included sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and shift work disorder, all of which led to worse patient outcomes.

Some of the findings of the research included the following:

• 14% of those surveyed reported having insomnia
• 12% reported sleep apnea
• 11% reported having restless leg syndrome
• 29% of all staff who were screened, tested positive for burnout
• Those who reported having a sleep disorder had significantly higher rates of burnout and significantly lower rates of professional satisfaction

The correlation between sleep disorders and burnout is not particularly surprising, but it is alarming and needs to be addressed because burnout is directly linked to more negative patient outcomes.  Negative patient outcomes can lead to Connecticut medical malpractice. 

Researchers who looked at the data drew a strong correlation between sleep and mood, which is also not that surprising.  

If you or a loved one believe you have experienced medical malpractice, contact our office immediately and our doctor/attorney or nurse/attorney will review your case.