Do you (or have you ever) worked the night shift?

[GJen 9]

My schedule has recently spiralled out of control and I'm now working nights 3 out of 5 days a week. Any tips on helping me adjust to it??

[William33 110]

Nights...3-11 or 11-7?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I would try to block out as much daylight coming into my bedroom after working the night shift and try to get everyone else to not disturb me while sleeping. I remember feeling like I got hit by a truck at the end of the shift. Also, I tried not to eat or drink anything past midnight except for water. Recent studies have linked lack of sleep with Diabetes - it really does a number on the pancreas. In any case, I'd be even more careful with your diet and make sure to sleep a solid 4 hours each day if you find you can't sleep a full 8 and maybe a nap later.

Best wishes...I know it's not easy.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Mister Fancypants

[spookyturtle 9,466]

A snort of cocaine or pop a few amphetamines when you get tired at work, and a few downers when you get home so you can sleep. Problem solved.

[William33 110]

Define nights....3-11 as opposed to 11-7 (or a similar derivative), make a significant difference overall.

Given that I manage people working days, evenings and nights, in the literal sense, there is a significant difference.

The hours need definition for a proper resolution and/or adjustment. As an aside, some people cannot adjust.

[Niels Bohr 72]

Don't work in the dark. Your mind play tricks on you.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

A snort of cocaine or pop a few amphetamines when you get tired at work, and a few downers when you get home so you can sleep. Problem solved.

Seriously though....to the OP - you can try Valerian root and/or Melatonin on the times that you have trouble falling asleep. Both are safe and available in most health food stores.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Don't work in the dark. Your mind play tricks on you.

And all of this time I thought I did some of my best work in the dark. Damn.

[JODO 2]

Do you have an important/dangerous job? If not, then just go to sleep. Unless you work with this guy

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...ic=95758&hl=

[William33 110]

A snort of cocaine or pop a few amphetamines when you get tired at work, and a few downers when you get home so you can sleep. Problem solved.

Seriously though....to the OP - you can try Valerian root and/or Melatonin on the times that you have trouble falling asleep. Both are safe and available in most health food stores.

Steven,

What time range is the shift definitively? You are offering absolute advice, while I still wait for the shift hours...It does make a difference you know.

[Niels Bohr 72]

Honestly, as dusk breaks, your eyes want to come out. I worked three jobs prior to getting into college. Lost a year working three jobs. Two hour of sleep per day. This is what you get for being the first generation to goto college. One hour of sleep between jobs.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Niels Bohr

[William33 110]

Honestly, as dusk breaks, your eyes want to come out. I worked three jobs prior to getting into college. Lost a year working three jobs. Two hour of sleep per day. This is what you get for being the first generation to goto college. One hour of sleep between jobs.

Agreed Niels, but an 11-7 shift is more challenging to the average person, especially when you get older.

I worked 3-11, 5 nights per week, straight through 4 years of college. Yet somehow managed a good education and a 3.6 GPA. I cannot imagine 11-7 and going to class afterwards....

think zombie.....retention - zero.

I am thankful for my M-F job from 8-5, although it usually equates to 7-6 + blackberry time at home. Either way, it's great to be employed during these times.

[Dakine 26]

Try working a rotating shift. One week days, next swing and then graveyard!! Then you start over.

[Mike's Lucy 14]

My schedule has recently spiralled out of control and I'm now working nights 3 out of 5 days a week. Any tips on helping me adjust to it??

I've worked night shift (10-6) for 3 years straight. All I can say is that sleep as early as possible after work (don't forget to eat light breakfast and yeah, make your room dark. No noise.

Edited March 11, 2009 by MikeeLucyForever

[William33 110]

So we have established that "night" shift = overnight...Some locals differ on those hours.

Either way, eat well before good sleep in the dark.