Family Issues with Night Shift

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Geriatrics.

I have a very varying schedule at my current job. I work part-time both 4p-12a and 12a-8a. And switch between the two fairly often. As most normal people, when I work nights I sleep during the day, and during the week it's generally not a problem (other than the fact that my body doesn't feel I need sleep during the day). Now, I'm 22 and still live with my parents. It's during the weekends that it is a HUGE problem, they do not respect that I am trying to sleep and do a lot of noisy things even though I have asked them many times to refrain. It's hard enough to try to force your body to sleep when it doesn't want to, but then to make noise and be disruptive doesn't help. What can I do? I've talked to them but it just doesn't seem to register. And moving out is not currently an option, will be once I get full time at a new job I just got, but there's no telling when that will be. I need advice

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try wearing ear plugs my father and brother both have worked nights and it helped to drown out some of the smaller noises that might wake you up.

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Earplugs and a a/c window unit in your room--that you put on fan even in the winter. If your parents have an attic, see if you can make that your bedroom for the time being. Do not put yourself in the position of getting into it with your parents as you do not want them to say "then move" if you are not in a position to move out.

Bottom line, this is your parent's home and you are an adult with a job. Even if it is $50 a paycheck, start putting that in your "do not touch" fund. Start just browsing the local paper. See what a rental would cost you. Right now, (meaning at this stage of your life) you could do a studio apartment. Just get a general idea on what you need to make to be able to do it on your own.

Don't push it by having discussion regarding what doesn't seem to "register" with them. I am sure they hear you loud and clear. However, their schedule is far different than yours, and they own the home. More than likely, the weekends are the only time that they have to do what they would like to. And equally as likely, they may be woken at 12:30 or 1 am when you get home from an evening shift.

It is lovely that they are allowing you to continue to live with them at this point in your life. So deep breath, make a plan, this is not a permanent thing. Don't blow it by inconveniencing them in their own home.

So, a/c unit, blackout curtains, earplugs. Figure out if there's another space in the house that would be better suited to daytime sleep. And start stocking money away. Religiously. Even $20 a paycheck is better than nothing.

Best wishes, and it is awesome that you have such supportive parents!

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You can afford a room in a nice home easier than an apartment, so look into that possibility. Of course, you would want to make certain that you emphasize to the new landlord or room mates what your sleep/quiet requirements are going to be. You don't want to move into a house with two or three college students that live the party life. If you can't see that arrangement and can't make anything else work, then take the money you need and spend it on renting a hotel room for those times you need to sleep and can't get peace and quiet at home.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I don't mean to sound ungrateful at all, I am very grateful that my parents still allow me to live under their roof rent free. They are amazing and have been with me every step of my journey. I'm just not in a position to be on my own yet. I'll have to try the earplugs it was a great suggestion. And I'm currently looking for small houses to rent (I don't think I could handle an apartment or roommates). And the local hotels won't generally rent to locals, and the cheaper ones aren't well kept or is try that. We do have a basement, which I may temporarily use until I get a place. Thank you all!

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Specializes in Med/Surg; L&D.

I am in the habit of sleeping with a loud fan. When I was single, but living in an apartment, the people next door played music super loud. Then when I rented a house the neighbor mowed his lawn with his super loud riding-mower like every day! Seriously, smoking a cigar and drinking a beer- it was his thing. And then I had babies...... so when working 3rds, I have dark curtains and a super loud fan up close.

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I have two fans and sleep with a pillow over my head. I also have set up a mattress in my large closet for days when it's especially noisy. I can understand your frustration and I'm sorry you are dealing with this.

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Specializes in ICU.

I don't want to make it sound like medication is always the answer, but I would consider a sleep aid in addition to the earplugs/window AC unit/blackout curtains ideas. If a window unit is not a possibility, try a white noise generator instead. My yard backs up to my neighbor's pool, so this summer has been interesting with young children on summer break, in addition to my husband's obsession with lawn maintenance.

As far as a sleep aid goes, Ambien is this night shift RN's go-to on the days I have to sleep. I tried Benadryl but I usually wake up "foggy." I felt a little ridiculous going to my doctor and asking for an Ambien script because of its abuse potential. He knows my history very well and understands the sleep difficulties experienced by shift workers. It's worth considering if you're still having trouble.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I have an ambien prescription because I use to have sleep onset insomnia, it was a miracle worker in nursing school. But now I tend to sleep too much, and I have some rather not so welcome effects while being on it, so I don't take it anymore. Everything else makes me feel so groggy. Although I did try this neuro sleep drink, nasty, but it helped. I just try to shy away from pharmacological solutions because I taken enough as it is. I have been taking melatonin, but even with it the least bit of noise wakes me up.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I don't mean to sound ungrateful at all, I am very grateful that my parents still allow me to live under their roof rent free. They are amazing and have been with me every step of my journey. I'm just not in a position to be on my own yet. I'll have to try the earplugs it was a great suggestion. And I'm currently looking for small houses to rent (I don't think I could handle an apartment or roommates). And the local hotels won't generally rent to locals, and the cheaper ones aren't well kept or is try that. We do have a basement, which I may temporarily use until I get a place. Thank you all!

Get used to white noise. Get a free standing fan....a window air conditioner. I made velcro attached black out thick window coverings. Consider the basement it muffles a lot of noise. It is tough when the world functions during the day. The life of a night nurse

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