I know, I know.... another night shift thread....

[A&OxNone]

So, I've been on nights 3 weeks now. And staying up, sleeping in the day... So far so good.

But my memory seriously sucks at work. Way worse than when I work days.

I sleep well (usually ab 6 hrs), try to stay hydrated... I just forget so easily and have to write everything down!!

Advice, fellow night shifters?

[serein]

For those who work night shifts-do you recommend working 3 nights in a row or do you recommend splitting it up?

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I would recommend working 3 in a row if you can. It's easier on your body.

[nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN]

What I found is that I can do my shift, but if something bad happens (like my pt codes or passes 5 minutes before shift change) and I'm more like 12 or 13 hours, that's when I crash and burn. Be very careful on your way home, we have had 2 nurses die in the last few years because they fell asleep on the way home.

[merv78]

I have worked nights for 6 years. It just takes time to adjust. In the beginning I used Melatonin (OTC) because I just was not tired. This worked really well and I did not need to use it all that often. I also use ear plugs and sleep in a dark room. I never did this in the beginning but was surprised how much more efficient my sleep was when I implemented these strategies. This really helps. If you can get into a routine and stick to it. I can't really do this as I have kids etc. I personally like it the best when I stay up until I need to crash and then sleep until I need to get up for work. In my opinion this is comparable to what most regular shifts do. Obviously this does not work if you you have a commitment at 3pm. On those days I would recommend going to sleep right when you get home, wake up, and then nap again before going to work. I hope this helps!

[diva rn, BSN, RN]

I would recommend working 3 in a row if you can. It's easier on your body.

I worked 12/h nights for 14 years and always worked them in a row...much easier for me...I also recommend blackout curtains (Bed Bath and Beyond has good ones, not too expensive) and ear plugs...I turned off the ringer on my phone and let voice mail do it's thing...I had a neighbor who was home in the daytime..my daughter's school had her number too and knew I worked nights, in case of emergency, they were instructed to call her and she would have come over and woke me...fortunately it never happened.

I also found it was essential for me to stick to a semi night schedule when I wasn't working...I would stay up late but maybe not all night and sleep in the day time but not all day...it was just easier on my body and easier to work and I loved nights.