Sleep-deprived surgeons can perform a previously learned task or learn a new task as well as surgeons who are rested, according to Penn State College of Medicine researchers. However, in sleep-deprived surgeons, the brain must work harder, which could lead to problems during unexpected events. The researchers reached these conclusions using simulations to study the effects of sleepiness on surgeons. "Particularly in surgery, simulation has become the introduction to many procedures for new residents," said Jonathan Tomasko, M.D., a research fellow involved in surgical resident training...
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