What do you do to cope with sleep cycles being all messed up

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Specializes in BNAT instructor, ICU, Hospice,triage.

So when you work nights, or rotate shifts a lot, what do you do when you can't sleep???

I'm thinking of getting an appt with a sleep specialist or clinic. I cannot sleep more than 3 or 4 hours a day, and its affecting every aspect of my life.:banghead:

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i would eliminate caffeine it messes up the sleep cycle i dont know if its the same thing w/ the other night nurses.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

I hear ya. I go through periods like that. I've been on nights for about 3.5 years now, and some times are better than others.

I don't follow the no-caffeine rule, though I probably should. But I do feel better when I don't eat an excess of high-carb, low-nutrient foods. Also, I've learned that when I'm not working, I have to sleep A LOT to make up for the messed up schedule. So if I'm tired at 8:30, I go to bed right then. I've amazed myself many times by sleeping 12, 13, or 14 hours.

I realize this is not an option for everyone, but it's how I cope. Worst case scenario, you may have to come off nightshift. If it's that bad go to the doctor and see if s/he will write you a note that nights are negatively affecting your health. Mine did, though there are no dayshift positions open on my unit.

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I do similar to Elvish. I don't fight it a whole lot. My kids are in school during the day now, so I can sleep during the day even on days I'm off if I feel like it. I am known to be cooking and cleaning a lot at 1 am. Everyone has adjusted. I used to worry about it, now I figure it will become a family memory for my kids, about how mom bakes cookies and moves furniture at 2 am...

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Specializes in ER and Home Health.

I like regular exercise after work, then a nice jacuzzi or a nice steam afterwards.

I also treat myself regularly to good quality massages. Wonderfull self pampering helps.

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Specializes in ED, Flight.

I work only two nights a week, so I haven't got it as bad as most of you.

I find that until I get a good night's sleep on the night following my shifts, I can't really 'reset'.

I do rely on a tried and true Rx for sleep, days or nights. Take one Labrador Retriever (a Border Collie or large purring cat may do). Lay Labrador against you. Close eyes. Snooze.

In any case, on the days after a shift I can only sleep a maximum of about five or six hours until I'm awake again. Maybe I need to double the dose of dog? :chuckle

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Specializes in Psych, Med-Surg.

Cute, medic09 :-) I personally use 2 cats to help me sleep.

I have been on straight nights since I started med-surg almost 6 months ago. I sleep ALL the time. It started out that I could "reset" after 1 day "off" but now I sleep after work, sleep again from midnight on. I can't hack day shift on med-surg, so that's partially why I am looking for a new job.

Night shift isn't for everyone. I personally love the staff, the empty hallways, and missing most of the major med passes. But I've lost my social life and ability to stay awake, so I'm moving on.

My advice: try some of what these posters suggest. Listen to your body. If you can't have a meaningful life when not at work, you may need to look elsewhere.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Cardiac, Hospice, Float pool, Med/Peds.

I work 12 hour nights... 2-3 a week... I am lucky in the fact that I don't require much sleep. I try to take a nap for about 2-4 hours on the day that I work... I will come home in the AM after work and sleep until I wake up and sometimes it is 12 or 3 depending on how tired that I am... If I work again that next night, I sleep longer and if I have off, I try to get up at about 12 so I can sleep that night... If I am having trouble falling asleep, I do take a Benedryl to help me drift off...

Maybe nights is not good for you and for some that is the case. I prefer nights because I can get more done on the days and I have no trouble staying awake at night. I use lots of caffeine, but I did that before working nights...;)

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I get grouchy and mean when I work the night shift. Feel terrible all the time.

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Specializes in CVICU.

I work 12 hour nights, and find that going to the gym right after work helps me a ton. I sleep better, and wake up more rested. When I don't go to the gym, I feel all crappy all day long whether I sleep for 6 or 12 hours.

I also use the tried and true Rx that medic uses, except my consists of 2 border collies and sometimes a german shepherd or borderstaffie :D.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

benadryl worked for me for years: 25 mg. when i went to bed and another 25 mg. when i got up to go to the bathroom the first time. now i've "graduated" to ambien.

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Specializes in BNAT instructor, ICU, Hospice,triage.
benadryl worked for me for years: 25 mg. when i went to bed and another 25 mg. when i got up to go to the bathroom the first time. now i've "graduated" to ambien.

how long can you take ambien? do you take it every night? my insomnia is chronic and intractable if you ask me. i've not been able to sleep well for 10 years. maybe its my age, what does a sleep clinic do for you?

i also take benadryl, but i am worried about my blood pressure, i've been taking it for years.

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