Junior doctors need nightshift naps

Junior doctors should be able to nap on nightshifts to help them cope with the work, medical journal the Lancet has said.

The Lancet said naps were “back in fashion” and could help doctors stay alert.

The Lancet editorial follows a campaign by the British Medical Association to stop hospital bosses closing rest rooms attached to wards, in a bid to safeguard patient safety.

The on-call rooms, which contain a bed and shower, have traditionally been used by junior doctors during quiet times on night shifts.

However the Working Time Directive, introduced last year for junior doctors, means hours are limited to 58 hours a week – due to be reduced to 48 by 2009.

The Lancet said doctors were in “urgent need” of advice in helping to cope with shift work.