Night Shift And Cancer

Nurses General Nursing

Published

"The researchers studied 78,586 women taking part in a long-running program called the Nurses' Health Study. The nurses who worked night shifts at least three times a month for 15 years or more had a 35 percent greater risk of colon or rectal cancer. "

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/conditions/06/04/cancer.nightshifts.reut/index.html

In answer to the sleep aid question, Yes I have taken ambien for over a yr but now d/t change in rx insurance plan it is not an approved drug. So my dr changed me to temazepam It is not working for me. With my fibro, RLS and PLMD it is hard to get my meds regulated therefore it is hard for me to get sleep. For the record my room is completely blacked out I have a fan and I stay on noc's even on my noc's off.

I agree, who wants to live forever?

I occasionally take benadryl to help me sleep, but I can't tell that it always helps.

I too, love the atmosphere of nights, it's more laid back most of the time, and also it's sink or swim, staffing is less and just plain fewer people in a emergency. I hate feeling tired most of the time, even days off.

Thanks oraibi, I'll have to check out that book.

I love nights! I tried to work days and found myself worse off in fact I was suffering from more migraines fatigue you name it. I love nights. Only God knows when it is time for me to come home.

Benadryl is all that you should ever need...

just use it in moderation...

I discovered it 8 years ago, and 25 mgs STILL knocks me out (1 hour after taking it) AND gives me great sleep to boot

I've tried Benadryl and it honestly does not touch me. I can take as much Benadryl, Phenergan etc as I like without feeling a thing.

My husband swears that Benadryl gives him a hangover.

I have worked nights for....a total of 30 years. First as a Unit Clerk, CNA and then as an RN. I have never smoked, drink alcohol in moderation ,went through menopause without even knowing it [no hot flashes!] and am fit as a fiddle. I keep active with biking, hiking, fishing and trying to keep up with my active daughters that I had in my early and middle 40's.

I sleep well during the day and take melatonin to adjust my sleep pattern if I have any difficulty at all. I find melatonin is a kinder gentler sleep aid than benadryl which leaves me groggy.

I think the key to good health is balance and keeping active. Watch the youth in their movement...they're always about movement!!

I personally worked 2 years as a 9-5 no w/e or holidays, Neuro Coordinator for 2 years. They were the most devastating stressful 2 years of my life. I was always sick, my bp was always high and I was just miserable and cranky. Talk about fast track and stress. Attempting to get everything done in my 8 hours and having only the weekend to get all house duties done was the pits for me. I hated all the rituals of the day shift and all the people mulling around, in my way and preventing me from getting my duties completed.

I would take the little quirks to working nights anytime!! Night people are discriminated upon by management and at times looked down on by the "day babes". But we are are a close knit group with common goals. We get the work done thoroughly and efficiently with the fewest amount of people. I am the only RN on in the ER at night with a great couple of EDT's on staff.

As you can tell, I've melded the night life into my lifestyle and will remain there until I retire. These studies are a pain in my butt and I have a tendency to give them no credability. You can make them say anything you want them to.

Bottom line is that you all have to find your own balance and stick to it in spite of what the "studies find".

Specializes in correctional-CCHCP/detox nurse, DOULA-Birth Assist.

Love nights, hate days

I am and always have been a night peson, my moods are better at night and I feel more awake and active at night. Now that I live in the Land Of The Midnight Sun and we are on the all day-24 hours a day schedule it really screws me up. I work all different hours now but I still feel better on nights. When I worked days I felt so drained and I didn't feel well. I think I was around to maaaannnyyyy people. Nobody is around at night so less pressure, less stress, less BS and NO SUITS.

Don't do Benadryl if I can help it. I use Valerian when I need something, mix it with some chamomile tea and the routine helps to relax me before I go to sleep.

Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
I am the only RN on in the ER at night with a great couple of EDT's on staff. [/b]

REALLY? What happens if you have two critical patients at once?

Wow woman, you are BRAVE, LOL!

zoeboboey, thanks for that compliment! If I have too many critical patients, my supervisor is my back-up. The only glitch with that is she also covers OB's newly born babies. That's usually where she is when I have those rare times that I need her.

Can handle most situations on my "own" with the help of my terrific EDTs...we usually see 8-15 patients at night.

The only time it gets really harried is when I work with 2 MDs{husband and wife team that share 1 brain}. Then if you have admitting MDs joining in on the fun or have to take those admitting phone orders from physicians who are speaking to their pillows instead of into the phone....give me strength!!!

Specializes in Cardiac/Vascular & Healing Touch.

this is interesting, because lately I have gone to more funerals of night shift employees who died of cancers!!! weird! Just makes me want to be full time private practice. (dayshift):rolleyes:

Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
Originally posted by NightMoonRN

They only time it gets really harried is when I work with 2 MDs{husband and wife team that share 1 brain}. Then if you have admitting MDs joining in on the fun or have to take those admitting phone orders from physicians who are speaking to their pillows instead of into the phone....give me strength!!!

YOU are TOO FUNNY, Girl! I loved all of those -- the brain, the pillow --- LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!

Well, call me if you ever need me, I may be there sooner than the supervisor!

I love night shift!!!!!!!!!! I personally find that I have more time to sleep, exercise, see friends, go to appointments, etc, etc. I don't have children, just a fiance and a puppy.......so when I get home, I sleep...and I ALWAYS make sure I get at least 7 or 8 hrs. I have suffered no physical problems from it, infact, Id get headaches working days from all the commotion......

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