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Due on nightshift tonight not slept since 7am yesterday

33 replies

Nightshiftworkerhelp · 05/12/2024 12:33

I can’t sleep! I was on nightshift last night and due in again tonight. Woke up at 7am yesterday morning but just can’t seem to relax, wasn’t able to sleep before shit again yesterday and now feel horrendous.

It’s a new temporary role and I want to make a good impression so keen not to phone in but I think I’ll need to.

I drove home this morning and nearly caused an accident (a minor one). I’m still a relatively new driver so my skills aren’t the best even when I’m at my best.

It’s a patient facing role so I’m worried about my ability to do drug calculations etc.

But I’m so worried about phoning in because I don’t want them to think I’m flaky and rubbish. I’ve been trying to sleep since 8am!

I’ve also got the added stress that I have a 17 month old who caused my DH nothing but stress and cried for a solid 4 hours last night and barely slept because I wasn’t home (I was particularly well rested to start with!). I’m so worried about him when I’m away at night .

Financially I need this job to work but it’s been a bad start but I’m worried if I go in I’ll mess up/not be safe and worried if I don’t go in they’ll think I’m unreliable and I’ll mess up ratios.

I’m not entirely sure what I wanted out of this post! Thanks for reading though. Last night was my first night and I’m worried it looks like I just don’t want to work. I do!

OP posts:
Fuzzyandwarm · 05/12/2024 12:40

An antihistamine and put on an audio book and just tell yourself you are just resting

fivebyfivebuffy · 05/12/2024 12:39

Get up and do something like read a book or ironing or anything that is sleep inducing
Eat if you're hungry or have a milky drink

Back to bed, put a sleep podcast or audio book on and tell yourself you're just going to rest your eyes but you must not fall asleep

Usually helps! My dad always said when I couldn't sleep that quietly resting was just fine, it would stop me worrying and then I could usually sleep

MJMJMJMJ · 05/12/2024 12:39

Ring them now so they can try and find cover.

I suggest you do not do night shifts.

If you do get some sleep and they don’t have anyone you can always go in.

You probably will not sleep now you are so worked up. However, you only need a couple of hours good sleep even if it is broken. I did 13 hour night shifts for years.

Regalrosie · 05/12/2024 12:37

Toddlerteaplease · 05/12/2024 12:35

Go and make a cup of tea, and then try again.

Don’t drink tea air you want to sleep! Caffeine free is what you need.

anxiousmessallday · 05/12/2024 12:37

Oh god what a nightmare, you probably can't sleep now because you're trying too hard!!
I absolutely hated night shifts and only did a couple before I said I wouldn't be doing those again.
Get up for abit, read a book or something. Have you got a hot water bottle ? They help me to relax

ChaosHol1 · 05/12/2024 12:36

It takes awhile to get used to night shift. Is your child with you today, can you not sleep now? My dd does night shifts and she can't sleep after without eye mask and ear plugs in.

Toddlerteaplease · 05/12/2024 12:35

What time are you due in?

Toddlerteaplease · 05/12/2024 12:35

Go and make a cup of tea, and then try again.