Got into a car accident after working a night shift - page 2

1. 
   Jan 28, '13

   When I worked nights I would drink a big glass of water during report or right afterwards. I didn't live too far but towards the middle point I had to use the bathroom.
   
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2. 
   Jan 28, '13

   I have had this happen after working 13hr night shift , then driving 5 hours to visit a friend. I stopped asap to buy a large iced coffee , rolled down my windows (15degrees outside!) and sang aloud to loud obnoxious rap music . you have to make sure you sleep during the day and maybe a caffeinated beverage at 4 or 5 am . so it might wear off by the time you are ready for bed
3. 
   Jan 28, '13

   We have 14hr nightshift shifts as long as I get an opportunity to stretch or go to the gym after a shift I'm fine. I literally conk out. Phenergan is what I use very rarely if I'm really struggling but I'm also a slight insomniac so I've learnt to survive on minimal sleep
4. 
   Jan 28, '13

   I blare my music and sing like a rock star. I also adjust my temperature so I'm not too warm.
   
   ~ No One Can Make You Feel Inferior Without Your Consent -Eleanor Roosevelt ~
5. 
   Jan 28, '13

   Quote from DoeRN

   When I worked nights I would drink a big glass of water during report or right afterwards. I didn't live too far but towards the middle point I had to use the bathroom.

   With my luck I'd fall asleep and pee in my car seat!
6. 
   Jan 28, '13

   They did a study that was on the news. The TV guy had to stay awake all night and in the morning they put him on a test course and let him drive while he was hooked up to EEG monitoring. Even though he did not close his eyes, he did "fall asleep" for seconds at a time according to his EEG. Scary huh?
   
   I have co workers that usually will find an empty stretcher and power nap before going home. Many live 45 minutes away, at least. Like you, I'm just not a night person and all the caffiene, music and cold air never worked for me. I once took care of a trucker. He told me to hang a 20 dollar bill out the window. If you become drowsy, you would most likely let go of the money and nobody wants to lose their money. He said it worked for him.

   Last edit by tokmom on Jan 28, '13 : Reason: clarification
7. 
   Jan 28, '13

   I buy a box of mini saltines and keep it in the car for when I can't stay awake on the way home. I stop halfway home at a gas station and get a drink. Eating and drinking are the only things that keep me awake.
   The saltines are better than candy, or chips, and it's only three mornings a week.
   I really like the idea about drinking the big swig before I leave the hospital.
8. 
   Jan 28, '13

   [QUOTE=tokmom;7142289 I once took care of a trucker. He told me to hang a 20 dollar bill out the window. If you become drowsy, you would most likely let go of the money.[/QUOTE]
   
   Right before you fall asleep and crash?
   
   I don't see the point.
9. 
   Jan 28, '13

   Quote from Mulan

   Right before you fall asleep and crash?
   
   I don't see the point.

   I think the trucker meant that if you want to hang on to your money, you'll stay good and awake.
10. 
    Jan 28, '13

    What helps me the most is getting a hot drink (hot chocolate for me) and sipping that on the way home. Snacking helps too. I have a 30 min drive and if I start to feel myself getting tired I'll pull over at the nearest store to get out of the car to walk around. Sometimes I'll stop at a gas station on the way and get a lottery ticket, snack for the rest of the drive, or nothing at all. Anything to push the reset button on my drive home. Maybe you could split your drive up like this while you're adjusting to nights.
11. 
    Jan 28, '13

    Quote from tokmom

    They did a study that was on the news. The TV guy had to stay awake all night and in the morning they put him on a test course and let him drive while he was hooked up to EEG monitoring. Even though he did not close his eyes, he did "fall asleep" for seconds at a time according to his EEG. Scary huh?
    
    I have co workers that usually will find an empty stretcher and power nap before going home. Many live 45 minutes away, at least. Like you, I'm just not a night person and all the caffiene, music and cold air never worked for me. I once took care of a trucker. He told me to hang a 20 dollar bill out the window. If you become drowsy, you would most likely let go of the money.

    I love this!! I wouldn't want to lose my money! Sounds to me like it might work.
12. 
    Jan 28, '13

    I live outside of New Orleans, by about 45 min. In bedroom communities, it is not uncommon for people to commute to work, and I am no exception. I used to work evenings awhile ago, and my route home includes a 24-mile bridge over a lake (the entire way!), so road awareness was the number one priority. My very best advice, and I can certainly promise on this one, is to find music you can sing to (pop music) and sing all the way home. Sing LOUD. If there isn't any good music on the radio typically, then be prepared and have a CD or mp3 at the ready, filled with music that gets your blood going! You have to physically participate, and do things that are tactile, like slapping your hand on your knee with the rhythm. HARD (not like a massage at the Ritz, you know, lol).This will keep you active and stimulated!!! Your brain, AND your body, have to wake up, to do these things. Good luck

    Last edit by TheBlackDogWaits on Jan 28, '13
13. 
    Jan 28, '13

    I bike commute after night shift and often it wakes me up. Could you have a little sprint outside to get your SNS thinking your need a little fight of flight before driving? I gave up coffee for nights for a while and ICE cold water helped perk me up. Good luck

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