Adapting to Night Shift patterns

[mymymy]

I worked the nightshift for a few years and found that my sleeping habits required a lot of discipline.

I would try to sleep as late as possible the morning (into the afternoon if possible) before my first shift. This helped me somewhat to make it through the first night. I do have to admit that I found Night 1 to be the hardest. After shift, I would sleep from the time I got home, say 8:30am until about 3pm. It seemed adequate most days.

Also, I found it important to deprive youreslf of sleep after your last shift otherwise you wouldn't be tired that evening. For example, sleep from 8:30am only 'til noon. I'd be a bit groggy for the rest of the day however I would be tired that night which was good. This would make the transition from working nights to sleeping nights better.

Other than that, I suggest earplugs, eye blinders, and a waterbed.

Staying busy at work also helps.

Good luck
3my