Switched to dayshift, now cant sleep at night!

chenoaspirit, ASN, RN · May 17, 2008

Houston, we have a problem.....
Boy, I don't know what to tell you. Have you tried chamomile tea?

lol, first of all, Ive had the script of valium for 2 years and still have them, so it is NOT a common thing for me to take valium. I guess saying I took valium did sound bad. I was desperate so I took 1 1/2 tab. Just thought I'd clear that up. :)

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 17, 2008

I know what you mean. I hard a hard time after working 13 years of nights. Usually I'm so exhausted I can fall asleep, but staying asleep has always been a challenge. I use benadry and Valarian. When I wake up at 2AM and can't get back to sleep, I count my breaths from 100 down to zero, putting all thoughts other than my breath and the slow counting backwards and never make it to zero. I try not to get up and go to the computer, I try to stay in bed and focused on my breathing.

chenoaspirit, ASN, RN · May 17, 2008

Thanks guys for all the advice. I am going to try the melatonin, is that over the counter? Yes, stress does probably play a huge role in it. Dayshift is driving me insane. I cant keep up, can never find a chart, am constantly sending a patient to surgery, postop-ing them, scheduling, calling, etc etc. Im not used to all the drama and excitement. Yes, nightshift was horribly busy, but in a totally different way. I didnt have to deal with all the families, phonecalls, doctors, PT, pharmacy, etc. 3p-3a would be my dream schedule! I am not a morning person and I hate going to bed early. Also, someone mentioned hormones, I just had a hyserectomy in October. Hmmmm, alot to ponder! My body is a disasterous mess right now. I ache all over and am drained. Thanks guys for all the advice...it gave me alot to think about.