Does your immune system go down when you start a new schedule?

Brekka, ADN, RN · Aug 25, 2011

It doesn't sound so much like the schedule change effected it, but everything that has happened because of it. Lack of sleep and stress will make a huge impact on your body's ability to fight off illness. Your muscle weakness may be a response to the weight training you've done, and/or dehydration. Your body seems to have been telling you to slow down and get caught up on your sleep.

Seeing as how you work in healthcare, it's probably a good idea to take time off and get yourself better. Drink plenty of water and get some rest. Aside from that, I can't be certain, I just barely started my second year of nursing school. I do hope you get to feeling better soon. Remember, rest and water.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 25, 2011

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2914774/

http://healthyshiftworker.com/category/immunity/

http://www.occup-med.com/content/5/1/18

:)

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2011

I'm a school nurse, and I always get sick within the first few weeks of the new school year. After staying up late and sleeping in all summer, to switch to getting up at 5:30 and a 45 minute commute takes it's toll. I know I should gradually ease myself into the new schedule before school starts, but I don't! I do agree that it is not the schedule change per se that causes the decreased immunity, it is the sleep and routine disruption that contribute to it. My eating habits also change when school starts, so I am sure that is a part of it as well. More caffeine, less water...more sugary snacks for that quick pick up and more quick processed meals....It is awful for me, I know, but I am trying to get into a healthier routine.

MomRN0913 · Aug 25, 2011

It sure does. It happened ot me when I started nights as a new grad. Then when I started days last year. Then when I started a 8-5.

Hellostudentnurssee · Aug 25, 2011

I just started going back to work at my old CNA job this past week (Monday). I work the morning shift (600AM-300PM), which I haven't done in a long time. The last time I had an early shift was during my clinical earlier in the nursing program, beginning of this year but we only came in 3x/wk for 2 weeks. I haven't been doing anything rigorous but just assisting in transfers, doing med tech duties, etc... on my first day of work, I went straight to meet up with my study group and left home late and went to bed around 11 (Sunday night I didn't get adequate sleep). So Tuesday, we walked almost 2 miles with a patient to her appointment... hot day (maybe weather has something to do with it?). Only had 5 hours of sleep tuesday night. Today (wednesday), I was sleepy but still got through the day. Again, nothing rigorous. I was so sleepy and tired yet I went to the gym and did a quick 10 minute cardio workout with some weight training (last time i worked out was late last week). I get home and my allergies went CRAZY so I took 25 mg benadryl and was knocked out within 10 minutes. When I was sleeping, I had the fan on me too :/

When I woke up, my muscles were feeling sore and achy (and it's definitely NOT the "good-workout sore", more of the "I'm weak, can't move sore") one nostril was still breathing better than the other, etc... sounds like I'm getting sick and I'm not sure how because I've done this kind of work before (work and school) and I've been at this group home before; also, like I said, the last time I had the morning shift was back in march. My nose is still runny, when I cough it's still tight, i'm getting the hot/cold thing... my body wants to sweat and be hot but it's not but I don't have a temperature. I'm probably dehydrated since I've just been drinking mainly coffee... I called in sick but it's so bad since I just got re-hired again and started this week...

Orange Tree · Aug 25, 2011

I drink lots of water, make myself eat (even if I don't feel like it) and drug myself down so that I'm asleep for most of the day. I also try to stay on top of my symptoms before they get out of control. I don't want my irritated throat to turn into a hacking cough if I can avoid it. And lately, I've been more "selfish" when I'm sick. I don't go back to work when I feel OK, I go back when I feel much, much better!

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Aug 25, 2011

if you are running temp do not work. Not good for you or your co-workers. Otherwise, I hope you feel better soon. Rest and fluids-----

allnurses Guide · Aug 25, 2011

I hope your feeling better, unfortunately we are unable to offer any medical advice here. If your symptoms persist then you would be wise to go and see your doctor