Lesson 18

Countermeasures for Fatigue

• Ethical Obligation: Anesthetists must be rested and fit for duty.
• Recommended Methods:
  • Napping: Prophylactic naps before shifts; short naps (<30 minutes) during extended shifts (not during a case).
  • Caffeine: Ingest caffeinated beverages every 3 hours.
  • Exercise: Regular exercise can help manage fatigue but should be avoided within 3 hours of sleep.
  • Recovery Time: Allow adequate recovery between shifts; plan for appropriate sleep time after consecutive extended shifts.
• Consistent Sleep-Wake Pattern: Maintaining regular bedtimes and wake-up times improves sleep quality.
• Medications: FDA-approved drugs (like modafinil) can aid wakefulness but may have side effects affecting performance.