sleeping problems

[jazzyrn1]

Hey Everyone,

I'm a fairly new nurse. I graduated in December '08 and have been working in the Medical/Cardiac ICU at my hospital for a year. I've been on night shift ever since I started (3 12 hour shifts/week). I wasn't having any issues whatsoever. For the past 3 weeks, I've had some issues. When I work 3 nights in a row, I have no trouble getting to sleep the next morning (at around 9 or 9:30), but I wake up at around 1 or 1:30 and can not get back to sleep. I end up going to the bathroom and just not falling back to sleep. I end up getting really anxious and frusturated, crying, etc. I've tried relaxing music, benadryl, tea, etc. The benadryl relaxes me, but I still just lay in bed with no sleep. I did travel out of the country about a little more than a month ago, and it might be a form of "jet lag", but I don't know what to do now. I'm also planning a wedding, which is kind of stressful. My job is also stressful. I've talked to my unit director about possibly switching to days (even though I don't want to), but it's going to be very hard for her to switch me. I'm going to my MD on February 22nd (the earliest I could get in). I'm just really worried that it could start effecting my patient care. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[brimama]

There are several factors involved here. You are planning a wedding, working nights in the unit (stressful), and possibly have jet lag. Did you sleep during the day or night on your trip? I think follow up with your doctor is a wise decision. It sounds like you may need more help than you alone can provide yourself. Good luck to you

[trimedic37]

I had serious sleep problems when I was paramedic working nights. The benadryl worked great for me as far as sleep goes but I would be a bit foggy when I awoke. The sleep issue resolved when I went back to working days only and did completely away with nights.