Night shift, days off can't get out of bed.

[ArmaniX, MSN, APRN]

So I am a new nurse (8 months in) who works the night shift 7p-7a. I have been having so much difficulty on my days off being able/motivated to get out of bed. I usually schedule myself to work 3 nights in a row so that I can have four days off. But its becoming common that for my four days off I spend it just at home either sleeping, or doing the minimum; eating/taking the dogs outside to use the bathroom.

I don't really notice myself having any difficulties sleeping. I am always awake for my shifts and have no problems sleeping in-between shifts during the day. It's just on my days off I am drained of life.

Before becoming licensed I worked full-time as a PCT in the hospital (night shift) and attended day school full-time. No issues.

Has anyone else felt this way, how did you overcome in? Is it simply just having the willpower to get out of bed and force yourself to do things? I don't feel depressed, I just feel drained, but, I realize this cannot be healthy and so I really want to nip it in the butt before it becomes a bigger problem.

Advice/comments appreciated.

[Lola Lou, BSN]

I am a new nurse working 7a-7p so I'm probably not experiencing what you are to the same extent but I can see where you are coming from. Usually the first day after working three in a row I could sleep or sit in front of the TV, not talk to anyone, and be perfectly happy/exhausted. I have recently started forcing myself out of bed, away from the tv, and out in to the living no matter how much I want to stay in my cave. My mental health has definitely improved since I've adopted this new practice. Plus once I'm out and about I notice that I'm not feeling as tired. I just make sure that I go to bed at a reasonable time on my days off so my sleep pattern doesn't fluctuate too much. Make plans with a friend or family member so you are obligated to get out of bed no matter how drained you may feel. Good luck ArmaniX!

[ArmaniX, MSN, APRN]

I'll give it a shot!

[zeus&lincoln]

Ok-- I am a new nurse too and have experienced the exact same feelings you have expressed here. I will tell you that a month ago I decided to get healthy, mind and body. I decided I would give myself the first day off work to lounge and decompress, the others will be spent doing things productive for my health. That could be a run, exercise class, a bike ride. Prior to this I hated doing anything remotely athletic but I promise you I feel so much better, have so much more energy and don't feel depressed/sluggish. Eating better has definitely helped too. I mean I am a fan of cheeseburgers and greasy fries at 3 am on my shift but I try to balance that with a healthy snack before work and a healthy breakfast before bed. Try it! Give it 2 weeks and see how you feel. If I read this post a month ago I would probably want me to shut up but now that I'm in it and committed to it, I can promise you it has helped drastically. I am a more pleasant person for myself, my furry creatures and my hubby.

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

What I did is when I completed my last shift, I would go home, shower, and go straight to bed, get up around 130 or so, usually allowing me 4 1/2 hours sleep. I'd be a vegetable that day, pretty much lounge and take it easy. I'd go to bed around midnight the first "night" off, even if I was tired and wanted to go to bed sooner, I wouldnt' or else i'd wake up at 3 am. Then I'd have somewhat of a normal schedule my last couple days off. That's when I had my energy and did a lot of stuff. Make sure to walk those dogs, it'll perk you up and the dogs will probably eat less of your stuff.

Nights is tough on the body. It can take a while to find a rhythm. I've been on days two months, and I still have trouble sleeping normal sometimes. Hope you find something that works for you soon.

[ArmaniX, MSN, APRN]

I am attempting what you mentioned zeus. I think I need to get in a healthier state of body. I have started walking two miles a day with one of my dogs (the others legs are too short and would just involve me carrying them for two miles), and I seem to feel a bit better this week. We will see how it carries out in the future.

[UpennRN]

Same problem here! When I am on dayshift, my days off are pretty productive. On night shift, I spend my days getting excessive amounts of sleep. I basically move from the bed to the couch. Only get up to pee or walk my dog. I know there are things I should be doing, but I'm not motivated.

[mushyrn, BSN, RN]

I try to wake up around 2pm on my days off. That helps a lot.

[nurseling]

After my night shifts, I usually spend the day in bed. I sleep till about 2pm, but lounge around lazily during the day. I watch movies, read books and eat. And I make no qualms about it! At night, I go to bed around 10pm. I have no trouble switching to sleeping at night after night shifts, because I am naturally a day person.

The next day, after I've slept through the night, I'm still a bit groggy, but I kinda push myself to get out of the house for a bit and take a nap during the day. By evening, I often have enough energy to be social and see friends. The third day off, I am on day schedule. I work out at the gym, get my laundry and chores done, so its all good.

Keeping a positive mental attitude about it all really helps.

[kiszi, RN]

When I used to work 3 12s I tried doing all 3 in a row but found I would be too exhausted to enjoy my days off. Splitting them up was the answer for me. This was dayshift tho.

The only nightshift jobs I've held were always 11-7. I made sure to sleep the same time each day and took melatonin. Of course follow the night shifter rules of having a dark room, using earplugs if needed, etc.

It may be that you are sleeping what should be an adequate amt. of time but the sleep is not restful due to noises, light, whatever. Something to consider.