Better outcomes through improved sleep for surgical trainees
Official title: Better Outcomes Through Optimal Sleep in Surgical Training
Run by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · NCT07407712 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will test whether improving sleep quality helps general surgical trainees and consultant surgeons perform better on cognitive tasks and laparoscopic skills.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sheffield) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07407712 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are general surgical trainees and consultant surgeons based in the Yorkshire and Humber region who can give informed consent, wear an actigraphy device for two weeks, complete a daily sleep diary, and attend in-person assessments.
✕Probably not a fit
People with a previously diagnosed sleep disorder, those unable to adhere to wearing the actigraphy device or attend assessments, and individuals who are not trainee or consultant surgeons will not be eligible and are unlikely to benefit from this project.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This feasibility study will recruit general surgical trainees and consultant surgeons in the Yorkshire and Humber region to measure sleep quality and its relationship with cognitive and laparoscopic performance. Participants will wear an actigraphy device continuously for two weeks, complete daily sleep diaries, and attend in-person cognitive and technical assessments. After baseline measurement, participants will receive a targeted sleep intervention and repeat the performance assessments to compare pre- and post-intervention results. The primary aim is to test feasibility and detect signals of benefit before planning larger studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could lead to surgeons with better cognitive and technical performance, which may reduce surgical errors and improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows sleep deprivation impairs cognitive and technical performance in surgeons, but targeted sleep-improvement interventions within surgical training are relatively untested and remain preliminary.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The study will recruit general surgical trainees and consultant surgeons from the Yorkshire and Humber region. * Individuals must be willing and able to give informed consent to take part in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * • Participants with a previously diagnosed sleep disorder * Anyone who is unable to give informed consent will be excluded. * Individuals who are not general surgical trainees or consultant will be excluded. * Participants who are unable to wear the Actigraphy device continuously for two weeks, complete the daily sleep diary, or attend the in-person assessments will be excluded.
Where it's running
-
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals
Sheffield, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Respiratory Research Coordinator
- Email: sth.researchadministration@nhs.net
- Phone: 01142265424
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.