Sleep Patterns On Shift Work?

Question

I work shifts, sometimes I'm on earlies like 04:30 - 09:30 and a few times I do lates like 16:00 - 22:00. When I'm on an early shift I tend to go to bed at like 23:00 the night before, get around 4 hours sleep, get up, go to work and then come home and go back to bed for a few more hours. I always get a least 8hrs sleep, like I'll have 4 hours before work, then 4 hours when I come home. But I was just thinking - you're meant to have 8hrs sleep a night, does that mean 8hrs solid sleep? Should I be breaking it up like I am doing?

Thanks for any replies.

Answer 1

Yes what your doing is fine. I use to work shift only I did 12 hrs for 4 days. Off for 3 come back on Nights work 4 then 4 days I was off. Come back for 3 days then of for 3. Any way I would get it when I could. Your body will let you know when it needs recharging. I'm guessing your in your 20's or 30's. You do not have to have 8 hrs in a 24 hr period. You will be fine from 3-6 hrs. AS LONG AS YOU FEEL RESTED ( I KNOW IT'S TUFF ON SHIFT WORK ). your fine. You just have to get your pattern down for every shift. The 8 hours is a myth. If you ever did time in the service you know how little it really takes & what is not enough as well as what is enough. I hop0e this helps you or at least gave you something to think about.

Answer 2

Whatever works for you.....everyone is different and we each have our own requirements for sleep.