Night shift hangover

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!

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!! ?

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!

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 ?