any advice for starting nights?

Published Oct 31, 2009

389 Posts

Specializes in L&D.

I start night shift Sunday.

I'm excited, because I hear the vibe is great and more laid back.

I'm just nervous about the whole staying up all night thing. I love sleeping! I don't usually stay up late. But I also hate early mornings (getting up at 6am for day shift was painful). If it were up to me I'd go to bed b/w 11 and midnight and get up at 9 or 10 every day.

What should I do to prepare for my first night shift? Get a good night's sleep Saturday, try to take an afternoon nap Sunday, and grab coffee on the way to work at 6:30pm?

In a way the 2nd night shift will be easier, because I'll hopefully sleep 8 hrs on Monday. (I'm not too worried about sleeping during the day. I usually get over jet lag pretty easily, especially with the help of a pill, and fall asleep easily every night)

Any advice for making the transition?

Thanks!