Interviewed for a job that turns out to be night shift (ad didn't specify). It would be a big pay increase so I'm considering it even though night shift was hard for me when I tried it almost 2 years ago. It was hard for me to stay awake driving the 1 hr commute home as it's pretty barren (no stores, etc to enliven the scenary and perk up your brain). Any tips on how to arrive home alive? I had a friend pass away recently who was a night shift nurse driving home from work w/a 1 hr commute. They are not sure what happened to her, but I bet she fell asleep at the wheel as I'd done that many times driving home on the same boring interstate and fortunately for me I woke up in time to not cause harm.
I'm considering just taking a 1-2 hr "nap" in my car prior to heading home so maybe I wouldn't be as sleepy driving. I'd tried all the tricks about windows being open, eating, listening to loud music, etc but found out if your body is tired it's just tired and will give out on you.
P.S. - I can't move closer as my husband has a 40 min commute north and mine would be 60+ min south. So where we live is right in the middle and has good schools for our kids.
Music is what keeps me awake during any long drive at night when I'm exhausted, but I'm not just talking about loud music. You have to find the CD/mixtape that gets you going, if that makes sense. I generally listen to whatever is on mainstream radio when I'm driving, but if I'm exhausted on a long commute, I put in a CD that has all sorts of rock on it that my brother made for me, from AC/DC to Three Days Grace. It's the one CD that makes me want to sing, it brings back memories, it engages me in a way, and it wakens me almost instantly.
It's the only thing that has ever worked for me, it's just difficult to find the music that gets you going.
I wouldn't listen to the same CD, because your brain will eventually tune it out. I would change the radio station every now and then. Caffeine is just the way to go. They come in tablet forms too, so you should try those.
If you truly are having a difficult time staying awake, then I don't think your safety is worth the extra money. I would rather be alive than have pieces of paper. I don't mean to seem extreme here, but if your body is just that tired, there is a very high chance that you can just fall asleep behind the wheel.
I currently have a 1hr commute home after a night shift. I park far away in the parking lot so in the morning I have the fresh air on my face as I walk to my car. Then I refrain from blasting the heat on the way home. It makes me sleepy if I do. And, I listen to talk radio instead of music. Music relaxes me, but talk radio keeps me awake and thinking. That's all I have for ya. Good luck!
You can also have a list of people you call and talk to for a few minutes.... I work the night shift, and I call my mom and talk to her for the majority of it, then if music isn't cutting it I call my sister or my best friend.... they are all up with their kids and don't mind the chat :)
is there a possiblity of taking a train or bus to work. that way you can sleep on the ride. otherwise i think you have the right idea with a little nap before you drive home. what's $30,000 if you're not alive to enjoy the extra pay! no amount of extra money is worth risking your life and others who are on the road with you.
I also have an hour drive from night shifts. First day going home, my mind went blank for a bit twice. It's like falling asleep with my eyes open. The next days, I slept in the car for 30mins before driving. It worked for me. I had all the energy I need to get home. I drive 60% interstate, 35% freeways, 5% streets.
I also bought Nap Zapper from Amazon for around $4. Maybe it can help.
is there anyone you know? i have a really boring 45 min. commute to work. When i work night shifts i just go to my parents house and crash until i work that same night. When we do night shifts its like 2 or 3 in a row.
It sure beats driving home for 45 minutes when i'm dead tired. I like being able to crash at my parents house during the day. makes me feel better i have places i'm able to crash along the way if it gets really bad.
Drive with your window down, radio BLASTING, sing along with it to keep you alert. know they say don't talk on your cell phone while your driving, but if you need to...call someone to talk to you for a few minutes to keep you awake for a bit. In the winter, drive with your AC on as opposed to your heater. Warm heat makes you feel tired while cold makes you feel alert d/t fight/flight response.
I blast music in my car and sing on the way home (when i do need to make it home) haha, normally i wouldn't do that but it sure keeps you alert. So go buy yourself a couple fun CD's you can sing along with. and if you do feel tired, PULLLL OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are at risk for hurting yourself or someone else. So if you do feel like your going to fall asleep, pull over somewhere, a gas station, a rest stop..whatever. Take a quick nap.
Interviewed for a job that turns out to be night shift (ad didn't specify). It would be a big pay increase so I'm considering it even though night shift was hard for me when I tried it almost 2 years ago. It was hard for me to stay awake driving the 1 hr commute home as it's pretty barren (no stores, etc to enliven the scenary and perk up your brain). Any tips on how to arrive home alive? I had a friend pass away recently who was a night shift nurse driving home from work w/a 1 hr commute. They are not sure what happened to her, but I bet she fell asleep at the wheel as I'd done that many times driving home on the same boring interstate and fortunately for me I woke up in time to not cause harm.
I'm considering just taking a 1-2 hr "nap" in my car prior to heading home so maybe I wouldn't be as sleepy driving. I'd tried all the tricks about windows being open, eating, listening to loud music, etc but found out if your body is tired it's just tired and will give out on you.
P.S. - I can't move closer as my husband has a 40 min commute north and mine would be 60+ min south. So where we live is right in the middle and has good schools for our kids.
I used to commute anywhere from 1.5 - 2 hours after night shift from L.A. The traffic helped keep me awake, but I would call someone (usually my mom) and chat on my ride home. That helped tremendously.
If you are working 12-hour shifts, is it a possibility to schedule all of them in a row and stay at a nearby hotel? Some hospitals run programs like this for staff that live a certain distance away from the hospital. Something to check into.
Stever01
11 Posts
Music is what keeps me awake during any long drive at night when I'm exhausted, but I'm not just talking about loud music. You have to find the CD/mixtape that gets you going, if that makes sense. I generally listen to whatever is on mainstream radio when I'm driving, but if I'm exhausted on a long commute, I put in a CD that has all sorts of rock on it that my brother made for me, from AC/DC to Three Days Grace. It's the one CD that makes me want to sing, it brings back memories, it engages me in a way, and it wakens me almost instantly.
It's the only thing that has ever worked for me, it's just difficult to find the music that gets you going.