What can I do?

Eat more protien in your diet. Which is hard to do with vegetarian standards, I know - have you tried protien bars and such?

That is the best way, because protein takes longer to break down and use for energy, therefore it lasts in your body way longer than sugar.

Relying on carbs for energy supply means your energy is burned off faster, then you get the cravings. And the high/low moods, lethargy in between highs, etc. And you have to eat more to keep yor energy levels high, which is what translates into weight gain.

I gained 50lb in my first year of work, and I was a 98-lb weaking when I started.

Good luck.....

PS along with eating more protein, weight lifting, even something small, is a good way to lose weight. :)

I am an LPN working 7p to 8a. I've noticed my eating habits spiraling out of control. I used to be fit, watched what I ate and basically led a vegetarian life style for the last 8 years. I graduated last April and have since gained approx. 20 lbs. I feel tired, weak, and just blah. Does anyone else feel this way? Any advice on how to control 3am candy craving? I just feel so out of control.

You are at that 8 hour mark in a 12 hour shift, it's natural to feel tired just waiting for your second wind. I save a fifteen minute break for that time and go for a quick walk outside, I also keep plenty of "finger foods" on hand, i.e. carrots, celery, cheese, etc.

I've been working nights for five years, I still get tired. I do our ordering of supplies and meds for the unit and keep our med room/cart clean and organized. This is busy activity without too much thinking to be done and always gets me back on track. Once I feel my second (or third) wind come back, I can sit down and finish charting.

Hope that helps

Elizabeth

Really good advice from the two of you. I do try to keep active when I feel my eyes getting heavy. That's the time when I start cleaning up and stocking my rooms and IV trays. I do know that I need to snack on health foods instead of running to the snack machine for that deadly quick fix like snickers bar and pepsi bottle. So today instead of eating a heavy breakfast and going to sleep (my usual) I opted for going to the gym. 1hr on elliptical, 1/2 universal, 1/2 sit ups and I feel pumped! And now for the well desired sleep time! Thanks again and GOOD NIGHT!

I don't know if this is an option for you but, what I do is I take a 10 minute break and go outside in our courtyard. I walk around and the fresh air gives me my second wind. I know that not everyone can just get off the floor let alone off the unit to outside, but I am lucky enough that I can do so. I work 3pm-7am twice a week and can relate to what you say. I have gained over 20lbs since taking this shift!! We would order pizza at 1am, hit the snack machines at 3am etc.....At first, I would try and bring some healthy snacks, lol, but I ended up taking them back home. Who wanted that when you could order pizza, nachos etc......

No matter what, working the night shifts throws your whole body into chaos. At times, when I got home in the morning, I'd take my shower and hit the fridge and think nothing of heating up a bowl of pasta. Then, I'd go to sleep!! No wonder, I gained weight. I am still struggling with this extra weight, but slowly it's coming off.

I agree with the others about keeping busy. Clean out the med cart/room........order supplies etc.......It gets you going and before you know it, it's time to start that med pass, lol.

JUDE :Melody: