I have a better personality when sleep deprived on night shifts

[sleepyyyy]

I work 12 hour night shifts and day shifts. I've noticed on night shifts at around 3am onwards my personality changes and I become less inhibited and more outgoing and sociable. I see things in a more lighthearted way and laugh a lot with my colleagues (whilst working of course). I'm still professional with good concentration, but during the lulls at work I am better able to bond with my colleagues.

I feel embarrassed as on day shifts I feel like a different person and when I chat to colleagues I can feel that I'm acting differently. I'm much more serious, quiet and withdrawn - my usual nature. I put a lot of energy and effort into coming across as more sociable and confident but nothing is quite as effective as the 4am tiredness that I get on night shifts.

Does anyone know why this happens? I wish there was a way I could retain that confidence and ease.

There's been loads of research on depression that shows that mild sleep deprivation improves mood. Can't remember why exactly but it is a well observed phenomenon.

Could it be that you are overtired at that point and are almost a little elated due to that?
I have worked shifts for over 20 years. I find if I am very tired or stressed e.g. near the end of a 12 hour day - I can have a brief period of being a bit animated. However if I then have to work several more hours or if further stress comes along it doesn’t take much for this to spill over into irritability.

I used to volunteer in cold weather/Christmas shelters and there is definitely a night shift phenomenon, it fosters a kind of intense bonding that I don't think you saw on the day shifts. Night owl types can get a little addicted to this feeling, imo it's not dissimilar to having had an alcoholic drink or two (not that I'm recommending that to recreate the feeling, ha).

That's interesting that mild sleep deprivation can elevate depression. I do get this period usually between 3-6am where I feel quite hyperactive almost, colleagues and I often end up giggling of every little thing.

I don't really drink alcohol but it definitely feels like I'm slightly tipsy.