If you're absolutely stuck with having to provide 24/7 coverage, might I suggest that you consider the following - 2 days - 2 nights - 4 off. A four on four off 12 hour shift pattern that mitigates the misery. The 12 hours ain't that bad,especially if you're already screwed with OT,plus you cut down commuting trips so you save money on petrol. You get an evening off between days and nights for a few sherberts, and even though you're sleeping off the last night shift on your morning time, you have three and half days after that to get something done. It's the only shift I worked that made nightshift remotely tolerable.