Insominiac here.. Need 11am to 11pm shift...

suzanne4, RN · Jul 14, 2005

Many ERs as well as PACUs have that schedule............ :)

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jul 14, 2005

Hello again. I posted this on the other post, so just in case here it goes. (you posted twice right?)

I used to work in retail graveyard shift and experienced the same thing for months. I basically trained my body to get used to it. You have to make sure that when you do sleep you have an alarm clock so that your body can get used to the new schedule. I also avoided eating carbs a few hours before going to bed, and the caffeinated drinks as well. I have also tried the drinking a glass of milk with a little bit of ginger and believe it or not it worked. (Don't know why though). Also, picking up a book to read before bed usually helped. My body became accustomed to the new schedule. Make sure that the days you are off you don't over sleep too. Try to get to bed and wake up at the same time.

This is my experience of course, so it may work for you as it may not. Give it a try hopefully it will work. Best of luck to you. :)

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jul 14, 2005

I have pretty much the best of both worlds........I work 11A-7P, and not only do I not have to get up with the chickens, I get home in time to see my family and go to bed at a normal hour. I love it. :)

jayne109, RN · Jul 14, 2005

have you tried meletonin? Great OTC drug that mimics the hormone in your body and helps you sleep. When I went to nights I started using it and it is great. You can find it at Walmart for very cheap.

Hope it helps.

ER-RN2 · Jul 14, 2005

I completely understand what you are going through. I was working swing shifts and didn't tolerate it at all. I felt bad, had headaches,etc. I finally went to my doctor and he prescribed ambien. I can't even tell you how wonderful I felt after getting some real sleep. Now I'm working a set schedule of 11am to 11pm in the ER. It is the perfect shift for me. And I don't need to take anything to help me get rest. Good Luck!!!!

newadventure · Jul 14, 2005

I saw a posting for Sister of Providence Health systems in Springfield MA, for a 11a -11p shift in the ED.

Jen2 · Jul 14, 2005

I work steady 11a-11p. I also work in the ED. Must be a popular schedule for ED's.

inwyte · Jul 14, 2005

I have pretty much the best of both worlds........I work 11A-7P, and not only do I not have to get up with the chickens, I get home in time to see my family and go to bed at a normal hour. I love it. :)

that is just the perfect shift..where do you work? how did you manage to land that job?

lpnstudentin2010, LPN · Jul 14, 2005

have you tried meletonin? Great OTC drug that mimics the hormone in your body and helps you sleep. When I went to nights I started using it and it is great. You can find it at Walmart for very cheap.
Hope it helps.

not a nurse but i used to have trouble sleeping and meletonin helped me.

happydz · Jul 14, 2005

I worked midnight shift for about 2 years, and I'm 22. Melatonin works wonders. I found the best was GNC's chewable ones. I have only had to use it for a few days and after that my body has gotten used to the schedule. Working mids, it's a necessity to have 30 minutes or so to wind down. Strangely, I found that working out before bed also helps. You just have to find your groove. My husband worked mids for almost a year and could NEVER get used to it. It just depends on the person.

mommatrauma, RN · Jul 15, 2005

I do mostly 11a-11p...and I still have insomnia...it didn't help me..