I honestly would not consider myself an addict (or maybe I’m in denial), but I have found myself in medical school doing everything that could probably label me as such. This addiction includes energy drinks during class and café Americanos with additional shots to take me to (sometimes through) the midnight hour. So unfortunately, unlike one of our greatest singers, you could probably show me my receipts, and they would tell it all!! Ironically, I gave up drinking sodas a few years ago, especially those with caffeine in them—I’m trying to preserve my skin….lol…..I guess that may be pointless now that I find myself having drinks that have a much higher caffeine content. With all of this being said, I do all of this, try to get 5-6 hours of sleep per night (someone, who is obviously not a credible source told me that was enough for a medical student), and I STILL find myself tired throughout the day (specifically in the hours immediately leading up to and directly following lunch) and FIGHTING to give my undivided attention during class. I am even typing this blog entry during class to only partially remain focused. Now, I am certain that I have classmates who do not participate in this illicit substance abuse who I greatly commend, but it is probably only a matter of time before they find solace in a “caffeinated high.” Maybe if I were a big napper some of this intake could be curbed, but sleeping during the day makes me feel like I may miss out on something, and that is just not an option currently.
The demands of medical school, as I am certain you know, are extremely high. Gross Anatomy alone has proven to be a class that requires a ginormous amount of attention. This brings me to a very interesting discovery that I recently made: Attention Deficit is actually VERY common amongst medical school students. As a disclaimer, I would not encourage anyone to fall asleep during class, especially not during our dear friend Gross Anatomy : ) , but I find myself and many of my classmates momentarily absorbed by that invisible power called SLEEP…..even right after some of us have just awaken from 6 hours of sleep!! I don’t think that the prevalence of either narcolepsy nor anemia is 70 out of 105….…or is it????
I say this all to prepare you to find a regimen that can give you as much time during the day to accomplish as much as possible. I know we all know the saying that I can sleep when I die, but I would much rather reword it reading, “I need sleep WHILE in medical school BEFORE I die!!! For me, I may sneak in a power nap, which for those of you who do not know the difference between a power nap and a regular one here is a short way to put it: power naps are usually timed and should not go over 40 mins!!!! It is in your best interest to figure out in the early weeks of medical school exactly what works for you. You need to maximize your time and figure out what helps you stay as focused as possible. Medical school is a huge step, and with each step forward comes a new sacrifice or personal luxury that you may have to forgo. Apparently, sleep is one of those luxuries.
In the meantime, sleep as much as you can! You are definitely in for a treat. I will continue my fight in the war against sleep as long as I have my ammo (old fashioned caffeine)!!! Just remember that in medical school…...Rule Number One is…….whatever you do…….DO NOT Turn OUT the LIGHTS!!!!!!!
With utmost appreciation,
Best wishes in your endeavors,
Student Dr. Glawson!
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