Sleep Schedule

Nurses Stress 101

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So I have just gone from a 1st shift job to a second shift one. I need some help. It has messed with my eating and sleeping. I'm going to be on this shift for some time, you have to stay 90 days in a shift before switching. I get home close to midnight and go to bed around 1. What is a good schedule for eating and sleeping?!?!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

When I worked 3-11's---my preferred shift since I'm a night owl---I would come home from work around midnight, take a shower, surf the 'Net for awhile, then go to bed around 0200 and get up for the day around 0900. It's harder when you have young kids, so when mine were little I worked nocs so I could be with them in the mornings before school and be awake when they got home in the afternoons. But as soon as they were all into their teens and beyond, I went for the 3-11 shift because it's more in keeping with my circadian rhythms.

As for meals......I ate brunch at home, and then my biggest meal of the day at work around 1830. That kept me from getting super hungry and eating another full meal at midnight; usually I just had a snack. I lost quite a bit of weight this way and felt good. :yes:

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Viva's suggestion sounds pretty good to me. Try it... see how it works for you, then adjust as needed.

Good luck!

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I work 7pm -730am. On my nights off I stay up to about 4 AM and sleep until at least noon. It keeps me feeling alert on my night shifts and still allows me to enjoy a "real life" on my days off.

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