Ambien Use for NOC workers

blinks14 · Jul 30, 2008

I thought I had read previously somewhere (not on here) that sleeping pills don't really work when taken during the day because of circadian rhythms and hormones that the body produces only at night.

Now that I've said that though I've known a couple of night shifters who take Ambien during the day and don't seem to have a problem.

So I guess it depends on the person.

medsurgrnco, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2008

I've never used Ambien. My MD prescribed Trazadone and Ativan for insomnia, which I rarely take as Tylenol PM (1 tab) usually works for me. I don't usually have difficulty sleeping during the day when I work, but I do have difficulty when attempting to switch back to being awake during the day.

Nursonegreat · Jul 30, 2008

this was before ambien CR, but i did use ambien and worked nights...i would take it after my 1st 12h shift to get on track, then on the 2nd shift i would be so dead tired didnt need it. i did this for about 3 yrs without a prob. ALWAYS take on an empty stomach then have a little something to eat and sleep. never a hangover, always a good night sleep. stopped nights about 5 yrs ago but occasionally will take when i know i have to sleep and i am wound up. 4 tabs a month would be a lot for me. never felt dependant, but i feel i used responsibly. i tried benadryl...would get about 3 hrs sleep then be buzzed up and groggy feeling and couldnt sleep. tried melatonin and rarely worked...i needed something i could depend on. i love ambien!!

inthesky · Jul 31, 2008

i take ambien every night and used to take it everyday after night shift. I didn't have trouble with ambien in general and it did get me to sleep. However, I had to eventually leave night shift because my insomia problem worsened a lot.

nursejohio, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2008

I LOVE my ambien! Especially when my schedule gets a little out of whack, it's so nice to help me get back into my routine. I sleep for a solid 6 hours, wake up without a hangover. I have noticed I'm a lot groggier if I take the generic kind though, gonna have to get a script for the ambien CR I think

Furoffire · Jul 31, 2008

There are the 2 types of Ambien, I think the regular has an Ativan like effect and the CR is non-narcotic. Seems like you guys take the regular type which I wonder would be more effective?

We were wondering though on that first night on.....what do you do? She has gotten up every morning like a soldier at 0600 even if going to bed late. I am concerned that she won't sleep at all that day and have to up all night.

I have taken reports from NOC shift nurses that say the first night on they are up all day and night and they seemed fine. Does one really adjust and able to function like that?

I'm so happy and proud of my sister-in-laws accomplishments, want to supportive and helpful. Thanks again.

medsurgrnco, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2008

I take a 2-3 hour nap before the first night shift, waking up the same time as I will on successive nights. Most night shift nurses I've talked to either sleep in late in the morning or take a nap before the first night shift.

Vito Andolini · Aug 1, 2008

A lot of it is making the decision to work the night shift.

She's got to be totally zealous in turning the phone off, using a source of white noise (like a fan), and having a very dark room. She will have to get her family to respect her sleep needs, too, and protect her from interruptions.

At the 1st sign of sleepiness, she should heed it and get to bed, whenever it hits, morning or afternoon. A nap before work is usually all a night worker can hope for that first night.

And she should try to take her break at work all together and use it to sleep. That would be about an hour or 75 minutes. It's her break, she is entitled to sleep if she wants to, as long as she doesn't take too long and not get back on time. She can keep an alarm clock with her if she's worried about oversleeping.

She can use the restroom & wolf down a little food on company time. Yeah, I said it. Believe me, she will donate far more of her time to them than they ever will to her.

As for sleepers not being effective during the day because of circadian rhythm - I tend to agree. An Ambien gives about 5 or 6 hours of uninterrupted during the day, it seems, and 7-8 if taken at night. Not too shabby. Same with Benadryl, Trazadone (being less effective during the day than at night, I mean). Melatonin is probably good for some people, in the right concentration.

She will just have to experiment, I guess.

The real problem is if she gets mandated for OT and then is still expected to work her night shift. I hope she is strong enough to just say no.

Kevin RN08 · Aug 1, 2008

I take a 2-3 hour nap before the first night shift, waking up the same time as I will on successive nights. Most night shift nurses I've talked to either sleep in late in the morning or take a nap before the first night shift.

To qualify, I'm a student working an externship for the summer. But this is what works for me and I too am a normally early riser. I may stay up late the night before and go for a run or do something strenuous in the morning of the first night that way I am able to take a nap by 1300 and sleep to about 1630. I have used Tylenol PM twice, but only after I couldn't fall asleep on my own after work.

After my last night I try to be in bed by 0900, set the alarm for noon to give me enough rest to make it to 21-2200 allowing the switch back to a daytime schedule.

When I was younger I had no problem switching back and forth, in fact I went to college (3 days a week) after working all night and took care of my daughter (3 at the time, 21 now) on non-school days.

ignas762 · Jan 20, 2011

I have taken Ambien for a few years due to night shift work. I went to a swing shift and now am not working. But after 18 years of night shift I can't get to sleep before 5 or 6 am. I just lay there. I started taking 20mg at bedtime and immediately noticed I was telling my boyfriend things I did not remember. I once got up and put a dozen eggs on to boil and went back to bed. I have a old stove that works sometimes, Thank GOD it did not work. The eggs did not get cooked and no fire. I have been so depressed after I wake up the next day. I just have to stop the Ambien and deal with the sleep problem. My boyfriend has slept on the couch a couple of times because I am trashing around and talking to him.

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Jan 20, 2011

I use plan ambien 10mg my first day trying to sleep. I do my 3 12s in a row. Benadryl 25 left me wide awake. Benadryl 50 left me hung over. Ambien 10 seems just right. After the first day I'm adjusted enough that I can sleep without anything the next days.