Migraines and the night shift

Nurses Stress 101

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Hi everyone! I am thinking about going to the ICU but they only have night shifts available. Any advice on how to cope with night shift and migraines? I know irregualr sleeping habits is one of my triggers. I am married and my husband works a normal 9-5 type job. Any suggestions? Can this be done without having one giant migraine all the time? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in Telemetry, Case Management.

As a fellow migraine sufferer, I would advise against it if you know irregular sleep patterns are a trigger for you. I used to work nights three days a week, and be up "normal" hours on my days off to be with kids/hubby. I was a big old mess both on my first day off, and then again the night I went back in. :bugeyes::no:

The only way to manage it would be to keep your up all night, sleep during the day schedule on your nights off, and that might still trigger you off.

Just my two cents.:twocents:

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

I agree with Karo. If you know it's your trigger, just try to hold out for a day shift somewhere. Or go per diem, and only work days.

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Specializes in inpatient rehabilitation.

I used to get more migraines working night shift trying to sleep during the day and my sleep patterns getting all messed up. I quit that job because I felt awful, so if you know irregular sleep patterns are a trigger, I would suggest not doing night shift. Good luck.

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morning Can anyone tell me if there has been any research linking migraine headaches to nightshift wor

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Thanks i had no idea there was actual study done previosly . i guess one might really require 8 or more hrs of sleep.

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I am a new LPN and have just completed orientation on the night shift-worked only 3 nights and I know it isn't for me-I was completely in a "zombie" like state during the day-I realize it was only 3 nights, but am not willing to "try" to get adjusted because I don't want to have to sleep during the day always. I get up depressed and don't know what day it is. My oldest son, who is a pilot for a major airlines, turned down overseas filghts a few years ago, even tho it paid more, he said the jet lag ( ie:night shift) isn't worth his health. He told me studies have been conducted with proof that the brain shrinks in people working these type of shifts. I will never do it again.

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