Nightshift tips....?

Question

I work 12 hour rotating shifts. I really find it hard doing the night shift for 4 days @ 12 hours. I feel tired for days after coming off shift and by the time I recover I have to go through it all over again. Is there any strategies I could use to firstly stay awake on night shift and then to regain energy when off? I have done it for a whole year and it seem to get worse not better...help.

Answer 1

I always stay up throughout the morning and day after my last shift instead of going to bed (assuming I am off and don't have to work later on that day). I'll just do what I have to do around the house, run errands, etc. and stay amped up on caffeine and go to bed at a regular time that night. I sleep like a baby and am regulated (as far as it is possible) on sleep for the time being.
As far as staying awake on the graveyard shift, I am sorry I can't help you there. I practically bounce off the walls and don't really have a problem. My coworkers, however, keep themselves awake and alert my mentally challenging themselves in one form or another. When on break they will hit a sudoku book, PSP or something similar.
My problem is usually quite the opposite, I have trouble falling asleep when it's time to do so. If that is a problem for you also, then I highly suggest blackout curtains and relaxation techniques. I have tried prescription meds (many different kinds), and NOT ONE was as effective as the relaxation tech./curtain combo.
I have also provided a link that may help (it's a short page):
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~tasrn/sleep2.html

I really hope you find an answer that will help, and you get what you need! Take care. :)

Answer 2

My husband works 4-12's 6pm-6am. The first thing we did was paint our bedroom windows with black paint. Works WAY better than those stupid darkening blinds. It totally tricks your head into thining it is dark outside. If you chose to do this of course use a paint safe for glass that can be removed. Also paint the window white first then black. The white will deflect the heat of the sun and keep the room cooler. He also stays on the shift on his days off. He does not try to stay up during the day on his weekends. He couldn't handle it. Staying on the shift helped him dramaticaly. It does put a strain on our life a bit since he is sleeping until 3pm but my kids and I go on with our lives just fine until 3. I mean if he had to work all day I would be home by myself with the kids anyway.

Good luck

Answer 3

don't drink energy drinks. they may contain ephedrine, which can lead to heart attack. stay on the scedule you keep when you work. if your jumping back and forth you wear your body down. i worked thirds for years. then went through a period of time when i was jumping shifts. 1st one day then a 3rd then a 2nd round and round till i couldnt take it anymore. stay with a regular sleep schudule all week. if u can't then switch shifts.

Answer 4

You will have to fight.
Eat light food or fruits during night. Have little walk when you feel sleep. That way you can control sleep.
After the night is over have heavy breakfast and go for sleep. You will certainly find it difficult if you have family.

Answer 5

You might want to get a sleeping pill prescription from your doctor so that you can get really good rest after your night shifts.

Answer 6

try sleeping in the same pattern when you are off work as when you are on, as in sleep during the day when you are not working as well.. try to darken your room as much as possible, and turn off your phone so you won't be disturbed while you are trying to sleep. Trying to switch from one sleep pattern to another constantly is very tiring on your body. I think getting your self on one schedule and sticking to it might help.

Answer 7

Coffee or Energy Drinks

Answer 8

Since you have done what it takes to hold the fort down this long why keep complaining about. This is what I would do, find another, better, paying job, that you do not have to work like that.