diff --git a/.jules/bolt.md b/.jules/bolt.md
index e6d39e6..6d62453 100644
--- a/.jules/bolt.md
+++ b/.jules/bolt.md
@@ -16,3 +16,7 @@
 ## 2024-06-28 - Optimize array lookups in high-frequency React event handlers
 **Learning:** Even if data is pre-processed/memoized (like cached `parsedTimestamps`), performing an O(N) linear search on that array inside a high-frequency event handler (like `<video onTimeUpdate>`, which fires multiple times per second) can cause UI stuttering for large arrays.
 **Action:** When searching sorted arrays (like ordered video timestamps) in high-frequency event loops, replace linear iteration loops with an O(log N) binary search to minimize main thread blocking and ensure smooth UI execution.
+
+## 2024-06-30 - Avoid blocking the event loop in FastAPI routes
+**Learning:** Using synchronous `time.sleep()` inside an `async def` route in FastAPI blocks the entire event loop. A single slow request waiting for an operation (like `get_frame_image` waiting for a file) will freeze the entire backend and prevent any other concurrent requests from being processed.
+**Action:** Always use `await asyncio.sleep()` for waiting inside `async def` endpoints so the event loop can yield control and process other requests concurrently.
diff --git a/backend/main.py b/backend/main.py
index f637f4a..7854666 100644
--- a/backend/main.py
+++ b/backend/main.py
@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@
 from typing import List, Dict, Any
 from pydantic import BaseModel, Field
 from pathlib import Path
-import time
 
 from scanner import scan_directory_for_videos
 from extractor import async_extract_keyframes_parallel, async_get_video_duration
@@ -859,7 +858,8 @@ async def get_frame_image(directory_path: str, frame_index: int, project: Projec
     max_wait = 30
     waited = 0
     while not file_path.exists() and waited < max_wait:
-        time.sleep(1)
+        # ⚡ Bolt: Use asyncio.sleep to prevent blocking the entire FastAPI event loop
+        await asyncio.sleep(1)
         waited += 1
 
     if file_path.exists():