title: Sleep deprivation increases cognitive workload during simulated surgical tasks.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There have been conflicting reports of the effects of modest sleep deprivation on surgical skills. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a 24-hour call shift on technical and cognitive function, as well as the ability to learning a new skill.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-one students trained to expert proficiency on a virtual reality part-task trainer. They then were randomized to either a control or sleep-deprived group. On the second testing day they were given a novel task. Fatigue was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index was used to assess cognitive capabilities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no difference between the control and sleep-deprived groups for performance or learning of surgical tasks. Subjectively, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale showed an increase in sleepiness. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index showed an increase in total subjective mental workload for the sleep-deprived group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sleep-deprived subjects were able to complete the tasks despite the increased workload, and were able to learn a new task proficiently, despite an increase in sleepiness.
authors.affiliation: Division of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery, Penn State Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17111, USA. jtomasko@hmc.psu.edu
authors.forename: Jonathan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Tomasko
authors.forename: Eric M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Pauli
authors.forename: Allen R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Kunselman
authors.forename: Randy S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Haluck
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012892:Sleep Deprivation / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D016526:Workload