RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Better Outcomes Through Optimal Sleep in Surgical Training

This research is investigating how much sleep quality affects surgeons' performance during operations. We know that things beyond just technical skill, like how well someone has slept, can really make a difference. The study aims to understand exactly how different sleep patterns impact a surgeon's ability to perform surgical tasks, both with their hands during an operation and with their thinking skills. Following this, we hope to test if special sleep advice or methods can help improve these skills. This is an early, small study that’s part of a bigger research effort by the team to ultimately improve surgical training and, hopefully, patient outcomes. It’s about making sure surgeons are at their best.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Staff

What is this study about?

This research project is exploring a really important question: how does sleep affect a surgeon's ability to do their job well? We're starting to understand that many things can influence how successfully a surgeon performs, and sleep is a big one. It's not just about how skilled they are with their hands; how rested and sharp their mind is plays a huge role too.

The main goal of this study is to figure out the exact links between a surgeon's sleep patterns and their performance during surgical tasks. This includes both their practical skills during an operation and their thinking abilities, like problem-solving and decision-making. If we can understand these connections better, it opens up opportunities to help surgeons perform at their very best.

After we get a clearer picture of how sleep currently affects performance, we'll then look at introducing specific ways to improve sleep. The idea is to see if these targeted sleep improvements can lead to better surgical skills and clearer thinking for surgeons. This is an initial 'feasibility study', meaning it's a first step to see if our ideas work, and it's part of a larger ongoing research effort by the team to improve surgical training and patient care.

Key takeaways

This study explores how sleep quality affects surgeons' performance.
It aims to improve surgical training and patient safety.
Participation involves wearing a sleep tracker and attending assessments.
Open to general surgical trainees and consultants in Yorkshire and Humber.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Results could lead to ways to help surgeons be at their best.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would need to be a general surgical trainee or a consultant surgeon working in the Yorkshire and Humber area. It's really important that you are happy and able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part – this is called giving 'informed consent'.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you've already been diagnosed with a sleep problem by a doctor, or if you're not a general surgical trainee or consultant, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you can't understand the study well enough to agree to take part, or if you wouldn't be able to wear a special device to track your sleep for two weeks, fill in a daily sleep diary, or come to face-to-face appointments, you wouldn't be eligible.

Basically, we're looking for surgeons or surgical trainees who are over 18, don't have a diagnosed sleep condition, and can fully commit to the study's requirements.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a general surgical trainee or consultant?
Do you work in the Yorkshire and Humber region?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you *not* have a previously diagnosed sleep disorder?
Are you able to wear a small device on your wrist for two weeks?
Are you able to attend appointments in person?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to wear a small device called an Actigraphy device for two weeks. This device will gently track your sleep patterns without disturbing you. During this time, you'll also need to fill out a daily sleep diary, which is a simple record of your sleep. You'll also need to attend some in-person assessments. These appointments will likely involve checking your surgical skills and thinking abilities. The study doesn't involve taking any new medications. The total duration of your active participation, including wearing the device and attending appointments, will be explained to you fully before you agree to take part.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn how to improve surgeons' performance and ultimately lead to better patient care. You would be contributing to valuable research that could change surgical training for the better. The risks are expected to be very low; wearing a sleep tracking device is generally safe, and participating in assessments shouldn't pose any significant danger. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care or your standing in any way.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals
Verified postcode
Sheffield, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an Actigraphy device?

It's a small, watch-like device worn on your wrist that measures your movement patterns to estimate your sleep and wake times.

Will this study affect my work?

The study is designed to fit around your work commitments as much as possible, with the aim of minimal disruption.

Do I have to do anything special before I sleep?

No, you just need to continue your normal routine while wearing the device and completing the diary.

What if I have difficulty sleeping during the study?

You should record any difficulties in your sleep diary, as this information is important for the research.

Will my information be kept private?

Absolutely. All your personal data will be kept strictly confidential and anonymous in any reports or publications.

How to find out more

Respiratory Research Coordinator

sth.researchadministration@nhs.net 01142265424 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.