Hospitals were packed when the pandemic hit in 2020. Doctors worked exhausting shifts with little time to rest. Patients kept arriving, and the pressure never let up. Exhaustion took over, yet the job never stopped. What happens when those saving lives can’t sleep themselves?

Doctors have always struggled with sleep, but COVID-19 made it worse. Long shifts and the stress of treating critically ill patients left many running on empty. Sleep was hard to come by, and exhaustion took over. Lack of rest didn’t just cause tiredness—it affected health, decision-making, and patient care. The impact went far beyond feeling worn out.

What Did the Study Reveal About Physician Sleep Quality?

The study, Sleep Disturbances Among Physicians During COVID-19 Pandemic, examined how the pandemic affected Saudi physicians’ sleep patterns. The findings were concerning. Nearly 44% of doctors experienced sleep disorders.

Some specialties and career levels show even higher prevalence. Sleep disturbances were linked to work-related stress, long hours, and pandemic-related anxiety—factors that significantly impacted both mental well-being and patient care.

Key Findings on Physician Sleep Quality

  • High Prevalence of Sleep Disorders
    • 43.9% of physicians reported sleep disorders.
    • Previous studies showed even higher rates—over 50% among Saudi physicians in general and 68.3% in a study from Iraq.
    • Poor sleep can weaken the immune system, increase errors, and harm doctor-patient interactions.
  • Sleep Issues Were Worse in Certain Groups
    • Physicians aged 31-40 years had more sleep disorders.
    • Residents and associate consultants had the worst sleep issues. Inexperience handling pandemic-level crises made it even harder.
    • Internists and surgeons had more increased rates of sleeping pill use.
    • Medical interns and lab-based doctors had more trouble falling asleep.
    • Residents had a hard time staying awake while driving, eating, or talking to others. Sleep deprivation put them at risk for accidents and slowed their thinking.
  • Impact of Gender and Specialty
    • Female doctors had worse sleep quality than male doctors.
    • Doctors in emergency medicine, anesthesia, and lab specialties struggled with more sleep problems. Long hours and nonstop COVID-19 testing pushed exhaustion to another level.
  • Risk of Medical Errors
    • Sleep deprivation leads to cognitive and motor impairment, increasing the risk of medical errors.
    • High workloads, stress, and poor sleep combine to create dangerous conditions for both doctors and patients.

Why Sleep Quality Declined

  • High stress and fear—Doctors worried about contracting COVID-19 and infecting their families.
  • Long shifts and irregular breaks—A shortage of medical staff meant longer hours and fewer rest periods.
  • Pandemic pressure—Doctors had to prioritize COVID-19 cases over regular patient care, increasing stress.

Study Limitations

Even with solid findings, the study had a few key gaps:

  • No Data on Work Hours – Researchers didn’t track how many hours doctors worked each week, which plays a big role in sleep quality.
  • Missing Info on Sleep Aids – The study didn’t ask about caffeine, sleeping pills, or other stimulants that might have affected sleep.
  • Self-Reported Answers – Doctors filled out their own questionnaires, so their memories and personal perceptions could have influenced the results.

What Long-Term Health Risks Are Linked to Sleep Disorders?

Lack of sleep takes a serious toll on the body and mind. Health problems, memory issues, and mental strain can cut life short and lower quality of life. Doctors face even higher risks with long hours and constant stress. Unstable sleep schedules make them even more vulnerable.

Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

  • Sleep deprivation increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
  • Getting  less than six hours of sleep a night raised the risk of heart disease by 48%. The chances of having a stroke went up by 15%.
  • Sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats. If left untreated, it can lead to heart failure.
  • Lack of sleep raises cortisol, leading to inflammation. Stiff arteries and plaque buildup increase heart risks.

Higher Risk of Metabolic Disorders and Obesity

  • Poor sleep throws off hunger hormones, making people eat more and gain weight.
  • Less sleep means more ghrelin (makes you hungry) and less leptin (tells you you’re full), leading to overeating.
  • Sleeping less raises obesity risk.
  • Long-term sleep loss increases the chance of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, especially in shift workers and night-shift doctors.

Cognitive Decline and Memory Impairment

  • The brain clears toxins during deep sleep. Poor sleep leads to the accumulation of beta-amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
  • People with chronic insomnia have a 33% increased risk of dementia.
  • Lack of sleep makes it harder to focus, think clearly, and solve problems. More mistakes happen, which is especially dangerous for doctors.

Weakened Immune System and Increased Infection Risk

  • Sleep is important in immune function and inflammation control.
  • Sleeping less than six hours a night makes you over four times more likely to catch a cold 
  • Poor sleep has been linked to higher risks of cancer.

Increased Mental Health Disorders

  • Ongoing lack of sleep increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and burnout.
  • Sleep problems like insomnia and sleep apnea throw off brain chemicals, making it harder to manage emotions.
  • People with insomnia are five times more likely to develop depression than those who sleep well.
  • Doctors with sleep disorders face more emotional exhaustion, which can lead to burnout, job frustration, and lower-quality patient care.

43.9% of Physicians Reported Suffering from Sleep Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic

How Can Physicians Improve Their Sleep?

Physicians deal with long hours, unpredictable schedules, and high stress, making quality sleep tough to maintain. Small changes can make a big difference in improving sleep and reducing long-term health risks.

Build Healthy Sleep Habits

  • Stick to a regular sleep schedule, even on days off, to keep your body clock stable.
  • Avoid screens before bed—blue light blocks melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep.
  • Create a dark, quiet, and cool sleep space with blackout curtains and white noise for better rest.

Manage Shift Work Smarter

  • Plan shifts to allow at least seven hours of sleep between work periods.
  • Take a 20-30 minute nap before a night shift to boost focus and energy.
  • Adjust sleep gradually when switching shifts—shift bedtime by one hour per day before schedule changes.
  • Use light therapy—bright light in the morning for day shifts, dim lighting before bed for night shifts.

Eat and Drink for Better Sleep

  • Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and heavy meals close to bedtime.
  • Eat magnesium-rich foods (almonds, spinach) and tryptophan-rich foods (turkey, dairy) to promote relaxation.
  • Stay hydrated but limit fluids before bed to avoid waking up at night.

Lower Stress Before Sleep

  • Try mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation to reduce stress and calm the mind.
  • Exercise regularly but avoid intense workouts right before bed.
  • Write down thoughts or use cognitive behavioral techniques to prevent racing thoughts before sleep.

Get Help When Needed

  • Chronic insomnia, extreme daytime sleepiness, or possible sleep apnea should be checked by a sleep specialist.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is highly effective for sleep problems.
  • Sleep medications should be used only under medical supervision to prevent dependence.

Better sleep means better health, focus, and patient care. Small steps add up to big improvements.

How Can The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona Help Physicians Struggle With Sleep Issues?

The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona helps physicians improve their sleep with expert care. Advanced diagnostic testing identifies sleep issues with accuracy. Treatments address insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and sleep apnea using proven methods. Every solution is backed by research and designed for real results.

Doctors need quality sleep to stay sharp and perform well. Contact us today to get the rest you need.

 References

 Alnofaiey, Y. H., Alshehri, H. A., Alosaimi, M. M., Alswat, S. H., Alswat, R. H., Alhulayfi, R. M., Alghamdi, M. A., & Alsubaie, R. M. (2020). Sleep disturbances among physicians during COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Research Notes, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-020-05341-6

‌Sleep deprivation: Late nights can lead to higher risk of strokes and heart attacks, study finds. (2025). ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110208091426.htm

‌Shamim, S. A., Warriach, Z. I., Tariq, M. A., Rana, K. F., & Malik, B. H. (2019). Insomnia: Risk Factor for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6004

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider for recommendations specific to your individual health needs.