Night shift nurses: tips on sleeping AT NIGHT

[edwindelahiggins]

I've been a nurse for 8 months, 5 months of NOC. I love my floor and have adjusted well to the night shift hours. I've always been somewhat of an insomniac so sleeping in the day has been easier for me. I don't love not being able to get a lot of sun and sometimes I don't think it does wonders for my mental well being, but that's a whole different issue.

My main problem has been that I have had a lot of trouble falling asleep before 7am on my nights off. I think my circadian rhythm has completely flipped. I"ve tried Lunesta, not sleeping much the days that I'm off (get up at 2pm), but I still can't seem to fall asleep before the sun rises. That makes it difficult to get up early and do things on my off days. I'm willing to try non-pharm measures such as meditation, yoga, etc. I'd love to hear from other people.

[Callie53]

I have worked nights (11-7 & 7P-7A) for 21 yrs. on my days off I stay up until 3-4am. then sleep during the day. I have found you can clean house just as well at 2am as at 2pm. I schedule appointments (dentist, dr.) for either early (after getting off work) or late PM 3-5. Family knows not to call me before 5PM, however I can 't get my mother from scheduling family meals (thanksgiving, Christmas) later than 1200. She's 83 and the only one I'll get up that early for.

[~PedsRN~, BSN, RN]

Ideally what works for me is working my nights all together.... two/three in a row instead of one here and one there. Its easier that way to flip back and forth. I know that might not be doable in all work places though.

[ScrappytheCoco]

I have an orange salt lamp and Amber goggles that I wear home from work and around the house to inhibit melatonin suppression. Limit blue light from electronics before bedtime and in your bedroom at night if you can.

[AllieSparksRN]

I've worked nights for years - LOVE THEM - and by now, I generally just can't sleep at night. Sometimes I can if I'm seriously exhausted but it's rare. I nap great! I know we can't give medical advice to others. I will say I've also tried medications (through MD supervision) and haven't had any luck with: Benadryl, Melatonin, Trazodone, Flexeril, or Ambien - so I've more or less given up on the medications. I do love my yoga. I think it does help. By now, I've just tried to embrace that I don't sleep at night. I'll lay down, if I fall asleep, I fall asleep, if I don't, I do stuff. I watch less TV now and read more. And I do love it :).