Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of shift durations on sleep, fatigue, and wellness among U.S. neonatologists in diverse settings. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of U.S. neonatologists yielded 810 responses from 4400 recipients. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, logistic regression, and cluster analysis. RESULTS: Younger neonatologists (<35 years) reported the highest fatigue levels, with females more affected than males (p = 0.0185). Male neonatologists were less likely than females (OR 0.55, p = 0.0013), and those in university settings more likely than non-university settings (OR 1.43, p = 0.0389), to report adverse effects of shifts >16 h. Cluster analysis identified three fatigue patterns, with the most severe among younger neonatologists working shifts >16 h. CONCLUSION: Long shifts (>16 h) negatively affect neonatologists' wellness, particularly younger and female clinicians. With most neonatal-perinatal medicine fellows being female, policies addressing shift duration are needed.