Night shift for 20 years

joanna73, BSN, RN · Feb 24, 2011

I normally work nights, but I worked a day shift the other day. I HATE day shift, as I have always been a night owl. First, I don't enjoy going to bed before 1230 am, which you can't do when you are working days. So I'm essentially forcing myself to bed before I'm ready. Then, getting up at O43O is inhuman. It depends on your body clock.

coffee4metech · Feb 24, 2011

Just had to put my comment in there days were killer for me getting at 4am to go to work drive in the dark and freezing temps half asleep , then come home to my daughter who is in the needest stage of toddler years at around 3 pm I was exhausted and grumpy and miserable. Finally I talked to my nurse manager and told her the truth and asked to switch to evenings I LOVE IT !!!!!! Best thing i ever did , now I will work a night shift weekend once a month which will be nice because its an extra 3 dollars and its quiet for the most part ; )

Anne36, LPN · Feb 24, 2011

Working night shift is not like working in another time zone. It would be the same as working night shift in that time zone. Sleep while the sun is up and work while the sun is down.

Psychtrish39, BSN, RN · Feb 24, 2011

I've had 2 doctors tell me I need to get off of night shift. But really has it helped you that much with your sleep or anxiety? I have done a day shift here and there but my main shift has always been eves or nights.
The problem is with days I worry all night about having to get up early and I sleep horribly then too. I'm not so sure I'm going to like this. Today is my second day of doing day shift. I HATE not being available to my family too. I take care of my grandma and i also have 2 kids and a father in law that is dying. I just don't know if this is gonna be good or not.

Vtachy I have worked night shift or evenings all my career. I have observed for myself working day shift as far as helping sleep or anxiety no it hasn't helped me . I am not working nights at this time and I dont sleep well.

I have just been diagnosed with depression as well and I am the same way if I have a day shift or something early to do. I never sleep well. It sounds like you have a full plate besides work and I imagine that is where some of your stress is coming from. Also if you have worked night shift for 20 years I am sure your body clock is nocturnal. I hope that you can find some help with your family as that would help you be able to focus on work better and getting used to day shift work again.. Wish you much luck and hope you can figure out whats best for you . :redbeathe

Vtachy1 · Feb 25, 2011

Are there sleep disorder specialists that I could consult? I have seen my doctor and he recommended getting off of nights and do day shift. And I agree but for nurses, its hard because day shift is so early and SOO stressful. I am such a nervous nellie and the sleep deprivation has caused problems with my GABA transmitters and serotonin, and I'm sure has been a huge contributor to my anxiety.

Should I be seeing a psychiatrist or something? I feel like night shift has ruined my brain. Seriously, I feel like I can't concentrate, can't remember anything, I'm way too sensitive, and I feel like my brain can't function like it used to and maybe I need to be a grocery store stocker or something because I feel like I dont have a brain anymore! Can my brain return to the point that I used to be sharp and on the stick like I was when I worked ICU before having kids? or am i ruined?

Chin up · Feb 26, 2011

Are there sleep disorder specialists that I could consult? I have seen my doctor and he recommended getting off of nights and do day shift. And I agree but for nurses, its hard because day shift is so early and SOO stressful. I am such a nervous nellie and the sleep deprivation has caused problems with my GABA transmitters and serotonin, and I'm sure has been a huge contributor to my anxiety.
Should I be seeing a psychiatrist or something? I feel like night shift has ruined my brain. Seriously, I feel like I can't concentrate, can't remember anything, I'm way too sensitive, and I feel like my brain can't function like it used to and maybe I need to be a grocery store stocker or something because I feel like I dont have a brain anymore! Can my brain return to the point that I used to be sharp and on the stick like I was when I worked ICU before having kids? or am i ruined?

Yes, there are sleep disorder specialist. Ask your primary or psych to recommend you to a sleep clinic or a specialist they trust. I am sure their is an answer for you. But one thing I do know, you can't continue like this. All those issues you have with concentration, short term memory loss and sensitivity will be somewhat alleviated with getting 7-8 hours of sleep. (assuming you are otherwise healthy) Your brain and body will start healing, so no you are not "ruined". Our bodies are amazing and eventually with good treatment, rejuvenate. However, the aging process being constantly in effect, means, We must take the best care of ourselves when our body starts to give us warnings.

I do know how you feel about the day shift, perhaps 3-11 or a change to administration, where the day hours are flexible. Keep us posted. Peace!

brownbook · Feb 26, 2011

It sounds like you have a lot of issues going on at the same time. Honestly I don't think what shift you work is going to miraculously solve them.

I worked nights 17 years and suddenly couldn't sleep more than two hours. I switched to day shift and NO CHANGE IN MY SLEEPING. I slept as poorly working "normal" day hours as I slept near the end of 17 years working 11 pm - 7 am.

I think I am medically correct in saying as we get older our sleep cycles, REM's, etc., change. There are sleep clinics, sleep hygiene, etc. But honestly I don't think there is a cure. I still struggle with my sleep issues after 15 years. ( But I never tried a sleep clinic???) And I'm not suggesting you don't try one.

I have learned to live with my "sleep disorder." I found no magic cure, I just learned to "live with it." I realized IF I miraculously slept a decent 6 - 8 hours I did not necessarily feel all rested and perky that day. It is just as likely I would feel "yucky." And if I was honest with myself I realized I could sleep 4 hours and feel just fine the next day!!!!! I learned to stop obsessing over how many "hours" I had slept. I still have bad times, several nights in a row of lousy sleep does get to you.