When coffee is no longer enough,

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What do you do to keep awake?

A couple of Excedrin, caffeine and it helps on the old bones.

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Peds, School Nurse, DD.

Well, my first thought is "why are you suddenly having trouble staying awake?" Is there a change in your sleeping hours? Could you be chronically sleep deprived? Are you burning the candle at both ends? Could there be a sleep disorder, like sleep apnea, that is interferring with you getting enough deep sleep? New meds, perhaps?

I have worked about 25yrs of night shift in the lat 32+ years, so I understand the unique issues that shift-workers face. I'm all for a shot of caffeine long about 4am, but if you're having to drink multiple cups of coffee or Red Bull and still can't stay awake I would say you need some evaluation.:nurse:

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Specializes in ER/Trauma, Corrections, Consulting.

Excedrin has caffiene. Helps with the HAs from the job AND the sleepies LOL

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Specializes in LTC, Subacute Rehab.

Diet Coke, Diet Coke, Diet Coke. Later in the shift I switch to tea. Sleep cycle artificially enforced with Benadryl. Stupid darn four-hours-out-of-whack body rhythms.

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LOL! yea, this does seem like a no-brainer, but I worked Nights for about 12 years, and there were so many nurses that came in for the 12 hr night shift that didn't even take a nap that day!

Take more naps?

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Specializes in critical care, PACU.

chocolate covered expresso beans are quick and easy

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I used to make it a point to make myself lay down for 1-2 hours before working night shifts.

Take a periodic off unit walk...

Propose a nap room and policy. (We have this at my hospital) I am becoming the master of the 20 minute power nap.

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modafinil, a drug used to treat narcolepsy. A few Drs and Nurses here in Canada use it to keep alert during nights. Lasts about 10 hrs.

Narcolepsy is a disease. I don't have a disease and I'm very sure I don't want to resort to taking drugs for sleepiness albeit safe. I'm more of something organic.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
But start running and exercising. Seriously. Get some $12 running shoes from Walmart, put on your iPod, and just do a mile a day. You'll be amazed and how much more stamina and energy you have.
I agree about the exercise but don't buy the running shoes from WalMart. Your feet need to last your whole career (and life) and cheap shoes are putting them at risk. If you can afford to buy an iPod, you can afford to buy decent shoes.
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Narcolepsy is a disease. I don't have a disease and I'm very sure I don't want to resort to taking drugs for sleepiness albeit safe. I'm more of something organic.

Haha, it is used to treat more than Narco these days. Apparently it is an alternative 'adhd' med too. The only reason I know this is because my wifes favorite magazine, and the bane of my existence, people magazine always has huge adds with coupons for free samples. Caffeine still works just fine by me!

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Specializes in Research & Critical Care.
I agree about the exercise but don't buy the running shoes from WalMart. Your feet need to last your whole career (and life) and cheap shoes are putting them at risk. If you can afford to buy an iPod you can afford to buy decent shoes.[/quote']

We don't have to hate on my Walmart shoes!

I was pretty surprised when I found mine, they're of pretty good quality and they feel great running. Finances are about non-existent right now, soo...

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Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

I've been so tired lately. I'm going to try the exercise thing.

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