Sleeping in the Closet?

[adventure_rn]

I feel pretty ridiculous even typing this sentence, but I'm seriously considering buying a twin mattress and dedicating my walk-in closet as my 'night shift sleeping space' as the only windowless room in the house. I've tried every light-blocking 'blackout shade' technology I can think of, and I can't get my bedroom room dark enough; I love night shift on the whole, but this lack of sleep is driving me nuts. Have any other fellow night shifters resorted to sleeping in equally bizarre places?

I think my dream home would have a small, windowless den or office where I could sleep anytime I want. Why isn't this a thing?

[TruvyNurse]

When I worked nights (never again) I had black out curtains, a sleep mask and the Sirius Spa music station going. It worked for the most part

[AceOfHearts<3]

Lol@ this thread. OP just make sure there's good airflow in the closet. I too struggle with day sleep after working night (not in nursing yet) so have my pen and paper ready for these tips for when I graduate. One of my nursing instructor said not to go to sleep right away after work. Give yourself 2-3 hours and then go to bed. Same as someone working day shift would do. I wonder if this helps stay asleep longer???

I do go to bed as soon as I get home from a day shift sometimes. I have a 45-60 minute drive home and if it's been a rough shift I crash as soon as I get home, especially if I'm back the next day.

[AceOfHearts<3]

Why why not try an RX for Ambien or Lunesta? It would require a lot less time and effort and will probably make you sleep during your needed 8 hour period. If I had to work nights, that is what I'd do because there would be no other way I could sleep during the day no matter what I did!

In my opinion the extra effort is worth it if it helps to avoid using prescription drugs. I'm not opposed to prescription sleep medications, but they have some serious side effects and can be habit forming. I'm a fan of trying non-pharmacological solutions first.