Do you sleep well and do you get enough sleep?!
Question: I work an overnight shift. I can rarely get more than about six hours of sleep in 24 during my work week. I do try to get additional sleep during my days off. I am able to maintain a reasonable level of alertness in spite of this, partly by making sure I get my meals and partly by trying to be regular in my sleep patterns.
I do have fatigue problems, however. Can anyone who has worked through similar situations advise me of how I can better manage my sleep and health?
I have discussed this with my doctor, by the way.
Answers: I work an overnight shift. I can rarely get more than about six hours of sleep in 24 during my work week. I do try to get additional sleep during my days off. I am able to maintain a reasonable level of alertness in spite of this, partly by making sure I get my meals and partly by trying to be regular in my sleep patterns.
I do have fatigue problems, however. Can anyone who has worked through similar situations advise me of how I can better manage my sleep and health?
I have discussed this with my doctor, by the way.
Nothing will substitute sleep, however breathing and meditation can help you restore muscular and mental energy. It can help increase oxygen levels in your blood and help you rejuvenate.
It's also a great reliever of stress - a big energy killer.
Diet is also important - eat the right combination of protein, carbs and fats to help boost and maintain energy levels.
Exercise is also important- you don't need a gym- brisk walking is good.
For more tips on sleep and insomnia, read the following article: http://www.howtobeatinsomnia.com
I work nights as well, and I have two kids (3 yrs & 2yrs). I try to go home and sleep as soon as I get off work, but sometimes it doesn't happen as I want it to. I found that exercising helps alot. It's hard to do at first, especially when you are tired, but afterwards, you'll feel a lot better. I know this isn't too healthy, but I drink caffeine(sp?) and lots of it.
I work a night shift as well and have an 10 month old who is up at weird hours. I find that putting in time to stretch and do excercise and eating a healthy meal can help me sleep when I can or cant.
Well, its not exactly good for you. You should be getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night. At least. But If you cant be sure to catch up on sleep on you days off. Dont go to long with out sleep, its not good for the body.
I worked 12:am- 8:00am for 18 months. I hated it! But I was in my 40's and I lived alone and I was able to turn off my phones and try to get at least 6-7 hours of sleep at a time. Being regular in your sleep patterns is the best thing you can do for yourself.Close the blinds or pull the shade down, draw the drapes or curtains, Get a sound machine, they really work! Try Valerian root, or Melton they both do work for those of us who are older. My Dr. approved of these. My problems with sleeping troubles right now are pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis, that keeps waking me up.
Good luck!
I do not sleep well, that is why I'm up right now. I have no telephone in my bedroom. When I wake up I can't go back to sleep. It has been a problem for some time.
hey sport! i am lucky to get 6 hrs of sleep in 24hrs. i have a sleep disorder. i wake up in a panic (as if i have overslept) after about 4 hrs. if i sleep that long. sometimes i nap during the day. but i can sleep for 6 hours during a 24 hr period and it gets interupted at least 5 times. i feel so tired and worn out all the time. my doc (as well) had me on ambian cr. he started it when i was in the hospital (3 yrs ago). he started me on it on wed late afternoon and i was still awake on friday night at 7. i go in spurts. if i travel i can not sleep. my trip from il on sat ended in fl on tues... i was awake that whole time. other times i cant seem to stay awake. i think blood pressure has alot to do with it. i never really got any real answers. so is there a way to listen to you on the web when your at work? if so, send me the link.
You might try some sleep aids that your doctor can provide. One doctor in charge of all you medications makes sure that they if they do interact, it is acceptable.
Learn to meditate. You can get deep rest from spending a little time meditating.
I cannot get my sleep patterns worked out, but that is a side effect of fibromyalgia. There are times when it is "normal" and I do find that I feel better.
best of luck