I'm working my first night shift/graveyard shift?!


Question: It's only a few times a month. Should I try and sleep before I go in? Or just sleep after I get home?

Any night shifters with suggestions?


Answers: It's only a few times a month. Should I try and sleep before I go in? Or just sleep after I get home?

Any night shifters with suggestions?

I depends on how long you will have been awake before you go into work, really. If you are due to work at 11pm, and you have been awake since 7am then you will find it nearly impossible to stay awake during your shift. Depending on your job, that might be pretty dangerous. And it would be even more dangerous driving home after you get off work, as by then you'd be seriously sleep deprived. I used to work the graveyard shift, and would sleep in the later afternoon/early evening. It was rather reverse of the normal way of things, but it let me do things during the morning I needed to get done and still have sleep before going to work. I knew people who went right home after work and went to sleep, and those who did like me- and I think those of us sleeping before work did a lot better. Then again, I work in hospitals, and the last thing person you want messing with your IV or medications is a sleep deprived nurse. But if you are managing a hotel, that's a different story. At least nobody can really be hurt if you nod off. Use your judgement here, just don't try going 24 hours without sleep.

Hi I worked graveyard shift for a few years, 11pm to 7am. You should most definitely get some sleep before you go in and you will also want to get more sleep when you get home from your job. I am now on 1st shift, 7am to 3pm. Good luck.

Both, at least 3-4&1/2 hrs a pop.

Definately try and get some sleep before you go in.

Day of a night shift I try and get up early. Earlier than usual.

That way when it comes around to afternoon time I am tired enough to get in a nap.
Sleep for as long as your body will allow you too... try for atleast 3 hours.

If you will be going in for the next night try and get a "full nights" rest when you get home.

If not, have yourself a nap... but no longer than 3 hours. That way you're rested enough to function. But shouldn't have too much trouble getting back onto a regular sleep cycle.

Good Luck! They will definately take some getting used too!!

i used to work that shift years ago, try to sleep before and after your shift... it takes awhile to get used to it... besure to take something to eat and drink to help you stay up and good luck

I have worked the midnight shift for many years. You may want to try staying up a night or 2 before you start to try to adjust your sleep.





The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories