I hate working nightshifts.any ideas how to cope better?

Question

I work 2 weeks days 2 weeks nights.when i do nights i sleep o.k but my moods change.Everything makes me mad and angry.I shout at the kids and argue with the missus.apart from stopping nights any idaes how to cope better???

Answer 1

If possible, stop working nights.

I'm sorry that I don't have any solutions to make it work. Well, unless you aren't getting enough sleep. You might try melatonin. It helps with sleep.

Your body/mind may simply not like the schedule. I couldn't do it. I was continually cranky and horribly fatigued. I quit. Well there were other things that made me quit, too, but I felt better after not working at night. On the other hand, I worked with a guy (our shifts overlapped) who had worked nights for like 5 years or something. His body didn't seem to disagree with it.

Answer 2

I would say that your body doesn't like the schedule. I know you don't want to hear it, but I'd really try to stop working nights unless all you work is nights, not the shifting.

I had a work schedule that was 7a-3p M-T, and then 11p-7a starting Saturday night. The schedule really made my body a little nuts, and eventually it all caved and I fell asleep while driving on the interstate. I was very blessed and very lucky that I made it out of that okay, but I started looking for a new job very soon after that and got a similar one with more normal hours.

It's not worth it to make you and your family crazy. The health effects aren't good either. I'd really try to find another job.

Answer 3

Your body clock seems to be rebelling against the never ending adjustments that you require it to make. I wish I had a better answer than to change your job.

Answer 4

yes definately the switching is driving you mad. if your body was made for day shift, you shoudl stick to that, or if it was made for nightshift, then you shoudl work that. myself i love working a nightshift, but if i had to switch and work days, i would go possibly insane. i mean more than usual. stay constant, you dont need to pass " jetlag" every 2 weeks. its not healthy.