how do you sleep?

deeDawntee, RN · Feb 7, 2008

The best way to cope for me is not to fight it. It usually takes at least a day to "flip" back into a day/awake, night/asleep schedule. I would plan some fun stuff at night, like being on Allnurses or read or whatever you enjoy and then let yourself sleep until you are rested. A lot of people will spend the whole day, resting and doing soothing, relaxing things...(perhaps laundry, but not much more) in order to take care of themselves. That is perfectly OK if you allow yourself that time and not feel guilty about it. Working nights is against what is normal for our body clocks, so I think you have to be very gentle with yourself and listen to what your body (and soul) needs. I also firmly believe that it takes a good 6 months to a year to not just survive but to learn to thrive on a night schedule. Good luck!!

english_nurse · Feb 12, 2008

Ive been doing nights now for about three years and i can honestly say i have no problems at all sleeping.

Melatonin is a good product you can buy in the USA it sort of tells your brain its sleep time, i know a few people who use it with good results one of them being my husband, who doesnt sleep at all when im woring my nightshifts, it looks like my nights effect him more than me bless

letina · Feb 12, 2008

husband, who doesnt sleep at all when im woring my nightshifts

Nice to see you posting again Claire :icon_hug:

So, you're doing a bit of "woring" on nights eh? Naughty girl :rotfl:

cariad · Feb 13, 2008

i use a benadryl occasionaly, which helps, but sleeping a bit better now that dh is home again from the hospital, it didnt help being in the house on my own.

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Feb 14, 2008

Nice to see you posting again Claire :icon_hug:
So, you're doing a bit of "woring" on nights eh? Naughty girl :rotfl:

Always knew that girl like woring

:hhmth:

english_nurse · Feb 14, 2008

now i remember why i miss this place, u urine taking things you hehehehe

how about the processing going forward eh? thats amazing if it sticks

ayla2004, ASN, RN · Mar 3, 2008

just did my last night on days tomorrow. don't sleep well on nights even if i get 7 hours.

awake from 2pm

allnurses Guide · Mar 4, 2008

I'm a bit of an insomniac so I don't sleep well at night, trying to sleep in the daytime is impossible. I don't work nights anymore but when I did I was vile after any more than 2. It was lucky we had cubicles in ICU I used to request the sick ventilated and sedated patient in the cub so I didn't have to interact with anyone too much. I could just get on with looking after my patient and be grumpy all on my own.

The only thing I used to find that helped was blackout blinds and a bath with some lavender oil in the water. With that I could get at least 3 hours :yeah:

Scott33, BSN, EMT-P · Mar 5, 2008

I am another one who uses Benadryl as a sleep aid. Though after a really busy shift, I don't need it. I also consume a lot of Coke (the diet variety), for when I need to be in the upright position. There is no doubt that having this lifestyle takes years off us. :bugeyes:

suehp · Mar 5, 2008

I usually have a problem on my 2nd night off.

When I finish my nights i usually go to be d for a couple of horu sbut am in bed by 9pm and sleep right through to the next morning and then I am ok unti l I go to bed.....the 2nd night off is the worst for me and I have resorted to taking Melatonin to helo which does work - I try not to rely on it too much though....

Hello to all the familiar faces here - long time no see!! )

cariad · Mar 6, 2008

i just worked 5 nights and then had a disturbed night last night, so am looking forward to trying to sleep the whole night tonight. back to work tomorrow, so i need the sleep.