Sleepy Nightshift nurse

[jackpp]

I've worked night shift for 7 years now. I love it while I'm there, however, I feel like I really struggle on my days off. All I want to do is sleep. Any recommendations on how to bounce back better would be appreciated. HELP!!

[HikingEDRN, BSN, RN]

OP: Get a medical checkup to rule out other factors

I agree with this. Especially if this is a newer development since you've been on nights for 7 years.

[shermrn]

Nuvigil works for me. It's important to consider everything else first, of course.

[ktliz]

Do you feel like no matter how much quality sleep you get, you still want more? I keep my mind and body busy at work and rarely get tired during my 12 hour shifts (mostly nights and some days) but I probably average 16+ hours of sleep on my days off. Like others have said, I think the best plan is to maintain as regular a schedule as possible. If (like me) you have no interest in staying up on your nights off, switching to days may be the only answer. It stinks, because I do love night shift!

[anon456, BSN, RN]

OP: Get a medical checkup to rule out other factors

Yes, this too! I got a comprehensive medical and lab workup last year when I was not feeling quite right, and was found to be very low in Vitamin D. I felt better again after I was treated with some high potency vitamin D.

[jackpp]

I've been doing most of all your suggestions (thank you for your advice) except the darkening of the room... it's dark but i think it could be darker. I bought an eye mask tonight. We'll see if it helps me feel more rested.

[pinkiepieRN]

I've been doing most of all your suggestions (thank you for your advice) except the darkening of the room... it's dark but i think it could be darker. I bought an eye mask tonight. We'll see if it helps me feel more rested.

My eye mask is a Godsend! That way, even if I wake up, I can't automatically see the alarm clock to check the time.

[slicksGIRL]

I, too am a new nurse. I started working night shift in Sept. What works for me is that.. I have those black out curtains in my room and my eye mask on top of it. I always have the fan on.. even when it's cold (I have double blankets so I'm cozy and warm either way). My phone will always be on silent. I sleep fine.. No problem. On occasion when I am super tired and really want a good nights sleep I would use an ear plug and take a Benadryl. I sleep like a baby. Yes, there are days when all I wanna do is sleep on my days off, those are usually after a 3-4 straight 12hrs shift. So I give myself a break. Now I am going back to school so I work 3 days then school 4 days. I am constantly reverting back to morning schedule once my 3 days of work is finished. I have Sundays off so I would sleep 4hrs and would try to get some studying in for a couple hrs. And I'd just end up sleeping early so I have atleast a complete 8hrs of sleep.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

Nights can be tough. When I worked them I could never get more than 4 hours of sleep on consecutive work days. I tried everything. I decided it wasn't for me so I changed employers so I could get back to days.