Sleep & Wellness for the Otolaryngologist

Quality sleep is essential for physical, mental, and emotional health, yet it is often undervalued in medicine. Chronic sleep deprivation among physicians, driven by demanding schedules, contributes to burnout, cognitive impairments, and long-term health risks. In surgical settings, sleep deprivation negatively impacts technical and nontechnical skills, increasing risks to patient safety. Although work-hour restrictions and improved sleep hygiene have helped, challenges persist, especially for trainees. Addressing undiagnosed sleep disorders, promoting systemic changes, and fostering a cultural shift to prioritize sleep are critical. These efforts can enhance physician health and well-being, reduce burnout, and improve patient outcomes.