Need Help Staying Awake on Nights!!!

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Specializes in Emergency.

I'm still relatively new to the ER, been there for around 4 months or so, and am still struggling with night shifts. Once it hits 3-4 in the morning, I can't seem to stay awake. If its super busy its not a problem, but if its the least bit slow I can't seem to keep my eyes open at all. I've fallen asleep at the desk several times, or sitting up in the chair while having a discussion with some other stafff. I don't have narcalepsy, I'm just so tired at these hours that I feel like I cant function anymore. I feel like I've tried everything. I'll sleep the ENTIRE day before, eating good and healthy snacks/meals, eating junk food, drinking pop/soda/coke from 2am onward, a box of candy, heck even a container of chocolate frosting/icing hoping the sugar kick would do something.....nothing. If I go to take my break and have a nap, I'm even worse when I come back. I'm at my wits end. Anyone got any ideas? Anything?????

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Specializes in ICU.

Exercise! That'll do it. Instead of taking a nap during a break, eating crappy foods (or drinking tons of coffee- ack), go to the break room and do some jumping jacks. I guarantee that will leave you wide awake.

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Specializes in ITU/Emergency.

I feel your pain but for me its 4 in the afternoon as I am wide awake at 4am! To get me through a day shift, I avoid caffeine, sugar and junk totally. They just make me feel sluggish and tired. Instead I eat plenty of slowburning carbs and fresh fruit and veg. I also stay as active as possible and if I feel myself getting sleepy, I will go for a brisk walk round the unit. And don't nap...some people can but I cannot so I don't even bother. As for sleeping all day, are you sleeping more than you would at night? If so, then you might be getting too much sleep and that can make you just as tired. I found that I have to wake up at least 2 hours before I leave the house otherwise I am a zombie all shift! We are all different and I am sure you will find your own way of doing things. Its a question of trial and error!

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

Are you getting good restful sleep during the day? If you're waking/being woken up frequently your sleep may be suffering. If you're consuming caffeine up until time to go home, that may affect your sleep too.

Find something to do! If it's not busy, can you do stocking, cleaning, something, anything?

Exercise, take a walk. Wash your face, brush your teeth.

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Specializes in LTC, hospitals and correctional settings.

I've been working nights for since 1991, and the best help I can give you is that you HAVE to have at least 4 hours sleep before your first shift of your week and don't go to bed the minute you get home. Treat your "day" just like someone that sleeps all night. When they get home they make dinner, play with the kids, watch a movie, etc. for at least 2 hours then go to bed. I'm still to much "at work" for the first couple of hours off that if I were to crawl into bed I'd never get to sleep. I work 12 hour shifts, so being up for 2 hours is my limit, but I'm able to really sleep by that time.

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