How to unwind after work??

Nurses General Nursing

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This is the first thread I have started so I'm not sure if it is in the right category or not. But, I'm hoping to rely on my friends for some advice.

I work nights (12 hours). On a good night I can be home by 8:30 a.m. Then, by the time I eat breakfast (supper), get jammies on, check allnurses, etc. it is 9:00 a.m. or so by the time I get in bed.

My problem is that I have to be up at 2:00 p.m. to get my kids from school. My husband works as a truck driver from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. I have nobody else to get my kids.

Then, I need to help them with homework, supper, etc. So, I normally do not get to go back to bed before going to work again at 7:00 p.m.

So, my question is: How do you all unwind after work to get a good nights (or days in my case) sleep. My phones are turned off, so there is no noise. My bedroom is darkened down, so I have no sunlight. But somedays I just can't turn the mind off and go to sleep.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Otherwise, I love this site and all the people I am meeting in cyberspace.

Thanks for any help.

Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

exercise or golf works for unwinding

Ummm... have sex? :blushkiss

Actually, I take melatonin myself, have for years. It is what your body produces anyway, and working nights/sleeping days throws your melatonin cycle off. I take a 3mg tablet, watch brainless shows (like Blind Date, Next, etc) and keep a window unit running (just on fan if it is winter) for the wonderful droning noise that helps shut my mind down. I work 11p-7a and my dh works 7p-7a, so we have blackout curtains on our bedroom windows. Also, keep the room COOL, cool enough that it makes you want to snuggle under the covers.

OK, I'd better stop now- I am at work and don't want to get drowsy!

Lori

Specializes in NICU.
My fan works the same way for me.

Mine too! I bought it at the drugstore for about 10 bucks a few years back. It's called the "Tiny Turbo" or something of that sort - it's less than a foot tall and it just sits on my nightstand. The first time I turned it on, it was so loud and strong that I figured I must have had it on HIGH instead of LOW. Nope, that WAS low! It's insane how loud this thing is. I can sleep through anything with it on, and that includes being able to leave my windows open even though they're building houses across the street, and having my 2-year-old nephew being a toddler all day long downstairs.

The advice about turning the mind off...

It used to be hard for me to leave my mind off the patients. I think that giving a great report to the next nurse helps me sleep the next day. Not only did I give great care to my patients throughout the night, but I let the oncoming nurse know exactly what was going on with the patient so she can provide the same level of care (hopefully) and be up to speed with the patient.

And, I second the above ideas about not eating, no coffee after 3 am, sunglasses on the way home, and no computer. Read a boring book or watch a relaxing tv show. Don't watch the news, that is NOT relaxing!

Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

Re: the book idea? I suggest a textbook--"Theories of Nursing" comes to mind--about 2 paragraphs of that ought to knock you right out!

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