Adjusting to 10:15 PM to 7:15 AM shift

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Hi guys, ok need some suggestions on how to adjust to the over-night shift. Quick background. Single mom ~2 kids ( 12 & 8)~ Job 40 min away and the town I live in does not provide transportation to/from school for kids. Do have some people I could carpool with but hate being a pest...

I have just completed my first work week of 5 straight overnights and I feel like total crap. I think I have gotten about 4 and half hours sleep in the past 48. Any suggestions or strategies would be great. I have only been at the job for 7 weeks and like I said just started my actual shift....I really don't feel to hopeful at this point in time.

How long did most of you find it took your body to adjust etc???? Thanks

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Some people never adjust to working night shift. I never could understand how people with kids could work night shift, when do they get to sleep???. I sleep from 8am to 4pm when I work 7p-7a. However I work every other day because even after years and years of working night shift I can not get to sleep before 12 noon after I worked the night before. So I used to work with maybe 5 hours sleep but now that I am older and have had a heart attack I have to have 8 hours of sleep. One thing that helps is to completely black out your windows. I presently have blackout blinds and thick drapes. But in a pinch, Heavy Reynolds wrap will block out the sun. Your room has to be dark. Good Luck.

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I know it does take time. Some people are never able to adjust so best of luck to you.:)

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Specializes in Med-Surge ,Geriatrics.

Dear Concerned,

My best friend has an 18 month old and a 10 y/o. She takes kids to school and daycare, cleans and puts meal in crock-pot. She sleeps from 9 to 3 . She picks up kids, does primetime with them and when her spouse gets home he cares for kids and she sleeps from 8 to 9 and then gets ready for work. Hope this helps. OLD $ GOLD

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