Night shift hangover

Published

Specializes in ICU.

Anyone else feel like they’re really hungover after night shift? I am going on 8 months of working the night shift, and I still get really shaky and nauseous after my third night and when I wake up after sleeping. Staying on a consistent night shift schedule of sleeping during the day and staying up all night isn’t possible for me with my family, so I have to swing back and forth depending on the day I work. What I’m asking is, are there any drinks/ foods or anything that help people like me tackle the night shift life and the requirements of having to swing back to staying awake during the day? 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty.

I try not to swing back and forth (I don't have kids) but there are occasions when I need to. When I get home from my last shift (I work 4 12s) I go to bed right away but when I wake up to go to the bathroom as is often the case, I stay up. Usually my husband is watching something interesting on tv or he wants to go out so I stay up with him at whatever time I wake up until he goes to bed and I do as well. Basically I only have a small nap after my last night shift and stay up until he goes to bed then I let myself sleep but wake up early like 5 am or so.

As far as what I take: I take melatonin only when I sleep during the day. My room is totally dark because the windows are actually painted over (it's my in-law's house). Some days I can't sleep at all so if I'm still awake by 9 am I will take a benadryl but I don't really recommend because when I wake up I'm incredibly groggy and feel more tired than if I slept less.

But you're asking what you can take to stay awake during the day? Caffeine works for me. Actually I drink it whenever I need to be awake, whether at night or during the day. I found coffee even with tons of cream still bothered my acid reflux so now I squirt a little Mio Energy into water or juice and it bothers me less. Be careful with that one though, I believe one squeeze/half teaspoon is like 60 mg of caffeine.

I've been on nights for about a year and a half but I do switch back and forth with my sleep schedule lately when I'm off just so I can have some social life. Hope that helps!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.
On 1/20/2022 at 5:27 AM, lilblue said:

I try not to swing back and forth (I don't have kids) but there are occasions when I need to. When I get home from my last shift (I work 4 12s) I go to bed right away but when I wake up to go to the bathroom as is often the case, I stay up. Usually my husband is watching something interesting on tv or he wants to go out so I stay up with him at whatever time I wake up until he goes to bed and I do as well. Basically I only have a small nap after my last night shift and stay up until he goes to bed then I let myself sleep but wake up early like 5 am or so.

As far as what I take: I take melatonin only when I sleep during the day. My room is totally dark because the windows are actually painted over (it's my in-law's house). Some days I can't sleep at all so if I'm still awake by 9 am I will take a benadryl but I don't really recommend because when I wake up I'm incredibly groggy and feel more tired than if I slept less.

But you're asking what you can take to stay awake during the day? Caffeine works for me. Actually I drink it whenever I need to be awake, whether at night or during the day. I found coffee even with tons of cream still bothered my acid reflux so now I squirt a little Mio Energy into water or juice and it bothers me less. Be careful with that one though, I believe one squeeze/half teaspoon is like 60 mg of caffeine.

I've been on nights for about a year and a half but I do switch back and forth with my sleep schedule lately when I'm off just so I can have some social life. Hope that helps!

Thank you!! I will definitely try the mio!! It’s good to hear what works for you. I feel like the coffee is a little too acidic for me too and may be attributing to my overall nausea. I appreciate it the tips!! ?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Postpartum.

I totally feel this way! I event tried doing my 3 shifts in a row in order to get 4 days of normal sleep but I was starting to get burned out. I always take melatonin as soon as I get home from work, whether I work that night or not. I make sure to drink lots of water bc I NEED caffeine-both coffee and a monster energy drink. Good meals as well, such as a light breakfast after work, dinner before work, and make sure to pack a lunch for my break. I'm hoping this night shift thing isn't forever though!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.
3 hours ago, maria1315 said:

I totally feel this way! I event tried doing my 3 shifts in a row in order to get 4 days of normal sleep but I was starting to get burned out. I always take melatonin as soon as I get home from work, whether I work that night or not. I make sure to drink lots of water bc I NEED caffeine-both coffee and a monster energy drink. Good meals as well, such as a light breakfast after work, dinner before work, and make sure to pack a lunch for my break. I'm hoping this night shift thing isn't forever though!

Thank you for your advice!! I need to try and get more water like you said… I’m in the same boat though. I am really longing for a day shift position in the future ?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion