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Original poster

Any experienced night shift workers around please?

9 replies

JockTamsonsBairns · 15/08/2022 20:06

I've recently started a new job in a healthcare setting, and loving it so far.
As part of my contract, I'm required to work up to 4 night shifts a month - but I've never done one before.
I've worked in healthcare for 26 years, and have done many 'sleep-in shifts', but I'm finding night shift really difficult to adjust to and I really don't want to have it become an issue that spoils an otherwise fantastic job.

Part of my issue is, I am not allowed to do my four night shifts consecutively - due to the contracted night shift staff (I need to fit mine in around their nights off).
So, it effectively works out that I do one a week.
I've done two so far, and I don't think I've quite got it right in terms of preparation/sleep recovery.

The 1st one I did, I went to bed very late the night before, and tried to sleep as long as I could on the day of my night shift. But that didn't work very well, as I naturally woke up around 8am and I find it difficult to get back to sleep as my head is telling me it's time to get up.
The 2nd one, I went to bed at normal time the night before and got up at normal time in the morning (say 11.30pm to 7.30am) then tried to sleep for a few hours late afternoon. But, again, I couldn't properly sleep. I was shattered by the end of my night shift, and I have a 40 minute drive home on the motorway.

Can anyone who's used to this offer any advice as to how to manage this better? Is there some sort of formula that you've found that works? I've spoken to colleagues, but everyone seems to be so different. A few of them don't bother sleeping at all and just motor on through, others seem to manage to get a good 6 hours or so of sleep in the afternoon.
For context, my night shift is from 8pm until 7.45am.

OP posts:
Namechangedforspooky · 15/08/2022 20:10

If it’s just stand alone nights I have an hour power nap before the shift then a couple of hours kip the next day if I can (depending on whether I have childcare, if so I just power on through with caffeine). It’s not too bad, I prefer them to day shifts now as I few like I have way more time

Original poster
JockTamsonsBairns · 15/08/2022 23:08

Thanks for your response, it's what many of my colleagues have been saying - just power through it. My DCs are young teens now, so are perfectly capable of coping without me if I need to get my head down. I'm on a late shift tomorrow, then a night shift on Wednesday, so I'm going to try this.

I agree, I actually enjoy the night shift. It's a completely different atmosphere on the Unit to the day shift. I just need to get familiar with when and how to sleep.

OP posts:
DeltaAlphaDelta79 · 15/08/2022 23:17

I used to love working nights, but do it very rarely now. I used to the odd solo night shift, and used to stay up as late as possible the night before and sleep in as late as possible, with a power nap as late as possible before leaving.

You've said that this doesnt work for you, and I think its probably the fact that you are not used to them, and its one a week, so its much harder to get into a routine.

It does get easier ones its more routine for you, but you might have to try a few different methods to find what works for you.

One thing I always did, which wasn't usually recommended but I had a small alcoholic drink or two after a night shift to help me sleep, but that depends on what you need to do for your family.

Good luck!

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smileandsing · 15/08/2022 23:49

I do pairs of night shifts. Get up as normal the day of the first one (usually no choice, school run to do), I don't go back to bed or have a nap in the day. Plenty of caffeine and some snacks for energy during the night. The next day sleep for as long as I need after I've taken DC to school. DC goes to after school club so I don't have to worry about setting an alarm. I probably sleep about 5-6 hours, and I'm pretty groggy on the middle day, little less so after the second night shift.

I think the mistake people make is not allowing time for sleep the day after a night shift, so don't fall into that trap. If you can ask do more than one at a time that would help, especially if you can do them all in a row. Shift working is hard going at times

aurynne · 15/08/2022 23:54

I do stand alone night shifts and I love them. I just sleep normally the night before. I often don't even have a nap because I don't need it when I've had a good sleep. I just stay awake for the shift and sleep about 4 hours in the morning. It feels like I haven't actually worked a day - as I have the whole of the previous day to do whatever I want, and the following afternoon and evening free too!) and I get paid much more than for the same hours during the day. And as an extra bonus, there are no managers, and far less paperwork to do at night.

I used to do 3-4 in a row and I didn't like it. I slept 8 hours during the day with no problem, but I ended up with the impression I had no life outside of work those days. Standalone far better for me.

Try it and find what works for you. Every person is different!

Original poster
JockTamsonsBairns · 16/08/2022 23:40

DeltaAlphaDelta79 · 15/08/2022 23:17

I used to love working nights, but do it very rarely now. I used to the odd solo night shift, and used to stay up as late as possible the night before and sleep in as late as possible, with a power nap as late as possible before leaving.

You've said that this doesnt work for you, and I think its probably the fact that you are not used to them, and its one a week, so its much harder to get into a routine.

It does get easier ones its more routine for you, but you might have to try a few different methods to find what works for you.

One thing I always did, which wasn't usually recommended but I had a small alcoholic drink or two after a night shift to help me sleep, but that depends on what you need to do for your family.

Good luck!

It's funny you should say that. I got home just before 9am after my first night shift, and I really fancied a glass of wine. It's what I would normally do after working a late, and getting home at around 11pm - and this felt no different. After wrangling with myself for half an hour, with my inner voice telling me it was ridiculous, I did indeed go ahead and have a glass of wine at 9.30am - nicest glass I've ever tasted, and I managed to get a good bit of sleep afterwards 😀.
Thanks very much for your advice. I do think I just need to get into the swing of it.

OP posts:
Original poster
JockTamsonsBairns · 16/08/2022 23:46

smileandsing · 15/08/2022 23:49

I do pairs of night shifts. Get up as normal the day of the first one (usually no choice, school run to do), I don't go back to bed or have a nap in the day. Plenty of caffeine and some snacks for energy during the night. The next day sleep for as long as I need after I've taken DC to school. DC goes to after school club so I don't have to worry about setting an alarm. I probably sleep about 5-6 hours, and I'm pretty groggy on the middle day, little less so after the second night shift.

I think the mistake people make is not allowing time for sleep the day after a night shift, so don't fall into that trap. If you can ask do more than one at a time that would help, especially if you can do them all in a row. Shift working is hard going at times

This actually makes a lot of sense, and it's what my more experienced colleagues say they do.
I reckon I could have done night shift easily when I was in my 20s - I was definitely up for burning the candle at both ends when I was younger, and did frequent "all nighters" for reasons unrelated to work!
But I'll soon be 50, and I just don't have that energy any more 😫.
Thanks very much for your advice - I'm on a night shift tomorrow night, and I'm going to try it 🤞

OP posts:
RaisinGhost · 16/08/2022 23:50

I also do stand alone night shifts, 1-2 a fortnight. My starting time is later so it might not be comparable, but I try to get up quite early the morning of, then sleep in the afternoon/evening before starting. I sometimes take half a sleeping pill (either melatonin or antihistamine based) because it is hard to fall asleep at this time.

But to be honest, there's no good way that will have you feeling great. I've been doing them for 15 years. To some extent you just have to except that you will feel like absolute shit, slightly nauseous and having brain fog from about 4am.

Original poster
JockTamsonsBairns · 16/08/2022 23:51

aurynne · 15/08/2022 23:54

I do stand alone night shifts and I love them. I just sleep normally the night before. I often don't even have a nap because I don't need it when I've had a good sleep. I just stay awake for the shift and sleep about 4 hours in the morning. It feels like I haven't actually worked a day - as I have the whole of the previous day to do whatever I want, and the following afternoon and evening free too!) and I get paid much more than for the same hours during the day. And as an extra bonus, there are no managers, and far less paperwork to do at night.

I used to do 3-4 in a row and I didn't like it. I slept 8 hours during the day with no problem, but I ended up with the impression I had no life outside of work those days. Standalone far better for me.

Try it and find what works for you. Every person is different!

This is really helpful advice, thank you.
And, I couldn't agree more - I actually really enjoy the night shift itself. Like you say, no managers, no Dr's, no visitors. I've got plenty of opportunity to write up my notes, and get everything organised for the early shift.
I think it's just a case of me getting used to them, and finding the best routine that works.
Thanks again, I really appreciate your input.

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