Without fail, the day after I work (12.5 hour shift, ICU), I always have a headache. At first, I thought that perhaps I was dehydrated; not drinking enough water at work, etc., but now I have made an effort to drink more, yet every morning that I wake up and I don't work, but worked the day previously, i get headaches.
Anyone have any similar issues? Would love some advice.
Without fail, the day after I work (12.5 hour shift, ICU), I always have a headache. At first, I thought that perhaps I was dehydrated; not drinking enough water at work, etc., but now I have made an effort to drink more, yet every morning that I wake up and I don't work, but worked the day previously, i get headaches.
Anyone have any similar issues? Would love some advice.
When I saw the title to this post I knew I wasn't alone in my battle. I get the same thing, I suffer from headaches usually after two days in a row of 12 hour shifts.
I will wake up with a headache.....always!!
Lately, I've been getting a headache after working just one 12 hour shift, but not always, it depends on how busy my day was, the more busy the more chance of getting that
dreaded headache after one shift. I've googled tension/cluster headaches and have tried many things I read on medical boards from taking a muscle relaxer before I go to bed or and/or taking tylenol of advil before bed hoping that will keep the headache away when I wake up. None of this advice helped me at all.
These headaches cause me great pain and discomfort, sensitivity to light, and nausea. They're almost as bad as a migraine. I've tried massages and everything but everything I try, I always wake up with that headache. I use to work night shift and had them after working 2 nights, but after the 3rd night, I'd wake up with the headache from He!! is what i called it and was basically in bed sick with all day.
Now that I work dayshift it's still the same. The headaches don't seem to be quite as bad as they did when i worked nightshift but they're still pretty painful. I am not giving you medical advice, only tell you what i have to do to keep them under control. I have to take 4 OTC advil/ibuprofen to knock it out. Then will usually have to take another 4 advils
a few hours later to keep them gone. Two advil will not work, aspirin does not work, tylenol does nothing whatsoever. Only 4 advil at a time is what works for me.
And these headaches did not begin until I started my nursing job. Never had them at any other job. I think it's just the stress of the job. Nursing is hard work! I'm just thankful for ibuprofen. Good luck, you just have to find what works for you.
Christine, I'm not sure how old the building is, and I haven't heard other people complain, but I will ask around. Maybe we're all being poisoned in the air?! haha jk.
Nursej22, Thanks for the suggestions. I am on my computer a lot, but I also do a lot of yoga. Even plan on doing yoga teacher training soon! I've tried applying acupressure, too. Am thinking about acupuncture soon!
Caliotter3, that's the same thing my friends and family have said, so i am sure it's a factor, as well?
FlyingScot,, I'm really not sure! I don't have jaw or tooth pain upon awakening, but my mom does have a history of this, sooo perhaps?
jorjarn, YES, my unit is soooo dry. If I work two in a row, then my lips get chapped, too. and it is humid as crap here, so wtfrick!
Redhairednurse...this is exactly how it is for me. ESPECIALLY after two 12's in a row. The ONLY thing that usually cures it is Excedrin for Migraines, but I always like to try alternative treatments before, and also, it would be nice to find the source to prevent them all together!!
Christine, I'm not sure how old the building is, and I haven't heard other people complain, but I will ask around. Maybe we're all being poisoned in the air?! haha jk.
Google "sick building syndrome", haven't checked if it's documented on the web, but it should be. The articles I have read on it speak about physical problems experienced by staff in older buildings, due to gunk that builds up in the aircon over years. It's worse in hospitals because of the high levels of pathogens that find comfy homes in whatever's coating the filters. Hope you find a solution, but what you can try is, next time you have one of those stinking headaches, take a standard sinus remedy and see if it helps.
i would suggest getting up no later than one hour later than your usual time.....this could be a low blood sugar h/a or caffeine withdrawl h/a.....try ruling those out, then progress onto the zebras, lol.
i would suggest getting up no later than one hour later than your usual time.....this could be a low blood sugar h/a or caffeine withdrawl h/a.....try ruling those out, then progress onto the zebras, lol.
But I feel like work is not my "usual" time since I work three 12's, and therefore am home more often. That would mean I'd be up at 5am everyday. I think I'd rather stick with my headaches
But I feel like work is not my "usual" time since I work three 12's, and therefore am home more often. That would mean I'd be up at 5am everyday. I think I'd rather stick with my headaches
i was suggesting the time change for assessment reasons.....i guess the h/as arent really so bad?
RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN
1,060 Posts
When I saw the title to this post I knew I wasn't alone in my battle. I get the same thing, I suffer from headaches usually after two days in a row of 12 hour shifts.
I will wake up with a headache.....always!!
Lately, I've been getting a headache after working just one 12 hour shift, but not always, it depends on how busy my day was, the more busy the more chance of getting that
dreaded headache after one shift. I've googled tension/cluster headaches and have tried many things I read on medical boards from taking a muscle relaxer before I go to bed or and/or taking tylenol of advil before bed hoping that will keep the headache away when I wake up. None of this advice helped me at all.
These headaches cause me great pain and discomfort, sensitivity to light, and nausea. They're almost as bad as a migraine. I've tried massages and everything but everything I try, I always wake up with that headache. I use to work night shift and had them after working 2 nights, but after the 3rd night, I'd wake up with the headache from He!! is what i called it and was basically in bed sick with all day.
Now that I work dayshift it's still the same. The headaches don't seem to be quite as bad as they did when i worked nightshift but they're still pretty painful. I am not giving you medical advice, only tell you what i have to do to keep them under control. I have to take 4 OTC advil/ibuprofen to knock it out. Then will usually have to take another 4 advils
a few hours later to keep them gone. Two advil will not work, aspirin does not work, tylenol does nothing whatsoever. Only 4 advil at a time is what works for me.
And these headaches did not begin until I started my nursing job. Never had them at any other job. I think it's just the stress of the job. Nursing is hard work! I'm just thankful for ibuprofen. Good luck, you just have to find what works for you.