New to Nigh Shift

Nurses Stress 101

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Specializes in ER.

My body adjusted to working the night shift (7p-7a) quickly over the past 4 weeks that I started it. A little too well; on my nights off, I will be super tired at around 10pm and think, "oh, yay! I can have a normal night sleep next to my hubby" but no. I'll fall sleep for a couple of hours, then wake up WIDE awake. Right now for example; last night I fell asleep quickly at 10pm - only to wake up at 2330. I'm still awake and it's 0430. now I know I will be sleeping until at least noon by the time I finally fall asleep. I mean, I cleaned my whole house, watched some TV, Etc. So I was productive you could say - but I feel like I'm cheating my kids out of their mother by sleeping the first half of their day away. Maybe it will get better when they start school in a week. So I guess I would like to know from you other nighties out there if you have this issue as well and if I should be doing something to alter this. Thanks!

On my last night shift of the week I come home and take a 2-3 hour nap then I can normally fall asleep at 10 or 11 that night and get back on schedule

Specializes in ER.

I'm going to try this. Thank you.

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