You can never get used to sleep deprivation. It affects your health.
I read recently that they are trying not to make interns and residents too many hours, and everything still gets done and they stay healthy too.
Some states are trying to ban 12 hour shifts and forced overtime for nurses.
but we're just the nurses...
They have limited hours. I have to say the newer grads are not as prepared but need a little more mentoring after residency. Im not sure what the answer is. Ive certainly seen the extremes. You know you are tired when it literally takes too much energy to fall asleep.
Working Resident Doc's to death...isn't the answer.