If I can't sleep NOBODY CAN!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Mental health, substance abuse, geriatrics, PCU.

The life of an insomniac night shift nurse is one that is truly misunderstood. Tomorrow for example, I have to attend a work related class that starts at 7:30am which means I have to "get up" by 5am due to the commute. Sadly, after a few hours of attempting to sleep it's 0107 and I can tell already that tomorrow will be a day filled with me consuming enough caffeine to turn my heart into a drummer for a heavy metal band and that by tomorrow evening when I make the hour long trek back home my driving will be comparable to that of a 94 y/o with Parkinson's and dementia. Despite all this, want to know what makes me irritated? My partner is sleeping without difficulty, snoring ever so softly enough that you just know he's have wonderful dreams about grassy fields and Unicorns with pretty white wings.

Oh yes it's very petty of me, indeed my irritation boils down to one simple thing: Jealousy... because my partner can get 8-9 hours of sleep no matter what's happening in the world or his life without pharmaceutical intervention each and every night, and myself? Nah, I get the luxury of unintentionally frightening young children because I look like a Zombie thanks to the effects of my sleep deprivation.

But honestly whether you're a night shifter or prone to insomnia or both, we always get phone calls right when we finally DO fall asleep and it's always from someone who knows us well enough to know what our sleep schedule is like, or our partners/wives/husbands etc. never have difficulty "accidently" waking us up right as we doze off, but God forbid we accidently wake THEM up or we get snarled at.

What is the point of this thread? Good question, and honestly I don't quite know myself haha, just thought I would share my thoughts as I'm sure many of you can relate. Time for one more cup of herbal tea then attempt one more time to get at least a couple hours of sleep. Although the selfish, petty, cynical side of me wants to run through the house screaming and laughing obnoxiously as loud as I can, and when my partner crankily demands me to explain my behavior, simply say, "If I can't sleep NOBODY CAN!!"

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Specializes in Critical Care (ICU/CVICU).

This was such a great read! Funny and yet, soooo true! Even though I can't relate just yet (Graduate in 4 weeks) I just wanted to let you know that I was having a bad day today and your post made me smile! Thanks.

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Your post made me laugh. I'm not a nurse just yet but I can relate. I have been working mostly night shifts and have trouble sleeping as well. It's 2am here and I should be sleeping but I can't because my mind is racing with thoughts. Nothing new.

So I am desperately trying to tire my eyes out by looking at the computer screen and hopefully that combined with the news repeats on the tv will make me want to drift away into unicorn land. lol This method has been proven effective.

I have not slept since yesterday. This morning I had a job interview and I did not sleep before. By the time I looked at the time it was 5 am and I had to be there at 8. So, I got ready, slowly and went, then ran errands only to come home and find hubby noon napping, cuddled up snoring and mumbling in his sleep. I don't know what he possibly is dreaming about but he talks in his sleep all the time. Most of it is not English, or any language for that matter. Lucky him. He got up, ate dinner and back off to lala land and here I am.

Now, if I sleep in tomorrow he is sure to wake me up not understanding that while he was getting his beauty sleep I was UP.

You're not alone.

Sweet dreams.

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Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.

I feel you!!

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Specializes in CNA: LTC & DD.

There's a reason I like swing shift - I don't have to get up early, and I don't have to go to bed early. If we went to a 12 hour schedule at work, I'd probably start a riot.

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Specializes in Mental health, substance abuse, geriatrics, PCU.
There's a reason I like swing shift - I don't have to get up early, and I don't have to go to bed early. If we went to a 12 hour schedule at work, I'd probably start a riot.

I have to admit, I'm a sucker for 12 hour shifts, the four days off per week just really works for me. I have worked five 8 hour shifts in the past per week and I had a really hard time balancing home life with my work life. My hat is off to those that are able to do it and enjoy it!

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Sadly I know exactly what you feel like but from the partners stand point. My fiancee is a nurse as is able to sleep whenever she needs to but I am the one that can't ever sleep. She will fall asleep and be looking so comfortable and all I can do is clean or organize because being in the bedroom and watching her able to sleep is something I just can't stand most of the time.

I feel for you

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Fellow night shifter here...ggrrr to education days that are not on a night shifters schedule. I wish I could say that I am capable of switching back and fourth between days and nights, but I can't, or rather I prefer not to try. Most days I do not like to get up before 1pm whether I am working or not. I sympathize with you!!

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Specializes in Mental health, substance abuse, geriatrics, PCU.
Fellow night shifter here...ggrrr to education days that are not on a night shifters schedule. I wish I could say that I am capable of switching back and fourth between days and nights, but I can't, or rather I prefer not to try. Most days I do not like to get up before 1pm whether I am working or not. I sympathize with you!!

I am with you 100% and why in the world can't my bank be open 24 hours a day? Oh well, at least Wal-Mart understands my need to buy groceries and batteries at 3am!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Home health.

I work night shift for home health and what really get me mad is when work calls me at noon to ask if i can cover a shift for someone...hello i'm working for another family already, look at the schedule that you made and stop waking me up!!!

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OP- I am about to start my first job in the healthcare field as a CNA, 3 12's a week. I am naturally a nightowl, so I know I'll be okay, but just wanted to tell you, I know how you feel. I understand staying up because of a commitment. Good luck, sweetie!

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Specializes in Aged Care, Midwifery, Palliative Care.

I can relate, I'm an insomniac. I'm in my last year as a nursing student and its full time clinical which includes night shift. Its actually the early morning starts that get me, because I can't fall asleep at night.

Also I hate it when I get someone drop in during the day or phone and they say 'oh did I wake you?, were you still asleep? ' Like you're some sort of lazy bafoon that sleeps all day and night.

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