To ask how you recover post night shifts?

[BlueCookieMonster]

I’m no stranger to nights, but recently I’ve found them more tiring and they just wipe me out.

I’ve just finished a run of night yesterday morning, came home and slept for a few hours then was up and about. I had a nights sleep, but today, I’ve basically slept the day away. I’m just exhausted! I know I’ll feel better tomorrow, but my goodness it’s unpleasent.

I have no answer! I'm finding that the longer I've done them, the less sleep I seem to get after them, and the longer it takes me to recover. I've done them on rotation for the last 20 years and have worked permanent nights the last 3. My way of dealing with them.... My notice is handed in, I have 3 weeks left and then, I will never be doing a night shift again! Bit of an extreme way of coping but enough is enough 😂

I don't know, I'm terrible after them too. After my last one I sleep until lunch time do that I sleep that night but I'm basically a zombie for the afternoon and evening and the next day.
Actually my best way is doing a day shift after my sleep day, forces me to get turned around. Or basically having any plans etc to get moving and doing stuff. I did Thursday night last week and after sleeping Friday morning I did weight training in the afternoon then cycled to school to get kids. It was less painful and more beneficial to my mood than it sounds!

Zopiclone! It’s not meant for long-term use and can be highly addictive, but it’s the only way I can flip myself back over 😭

I work permanent nights as I have done for the last 25 years. After my last night I usually have a 4 hour sleep, then get up, showered and dressed. I go back to bed late that night and usually up early the next morning. I'm refreshed and good to go.
I did my last night shift on Sunday night, got four hours yesterday morning, went to bed at around midnight last night and was wide awake and up at 6 this morning ready to get on with the day.

playing that’s generally how I am. I’ve walked to the shop to try and help wake me up a bit.

Perhaps I should join a gym and go the day after nights.

Hi op,worked nights for over twenty years.I know this sounds hard but bear with me.😀
When you finish work in the mornings don't go to bed.
Stay up until ,say you start at 2300hrs,1600hrs,that give you six hours until 2200hrs with an hour for shower/travel etc.
When you come into your shift you will be more alert and as you begin your rest days,because your sleeping pattern was closer to the normal night time one,you will recover easier and more quickly.
It really does help.
Good luck.

Natural daylight. As much as possible!!! To be actually out in it (not through windows), it helps reset circadian rhythms.

Realise it’s easier said than done in British weather, but even ten minutes is better than none.

Oh that and leave my job as long-haul flight attendant...

I used to do rotating days and nightshifts. After my run of 5 nights, I would go home, straight to bed and up again at lunch time (so about 4 hours). I'd go to bed that night at a reasonable time 10pm-ish. Then set an alarm and FORCE myself to get up at 8am. Some mornings I just felt like sleeping and my eyes would sometimes physically hurt but I'd force myself to get up. Wouldn't do anything too strenuous but I did make sure I got out mid-afternoon with the dog.

One thing that did make a difference is not drinking alcohol after my last night. It did make me fall asleep easier at 10pm but I noticed I was waking up more during the night and feeling more tired the next day.
As tempting as it is after a long week of nights

DH used to do nights 4 on/4 off, and in his 30's he was fine with it. By his mid 40's he was struggling bad with it. (It's not great for your health long-term.)

But what he used to do, (after his 4th and final shift,) was go to bed at 8am, and then force himself up at 1pm, and out in the garden or up town to come shopping with me. Then he was shattered by 10pm, and slept for 10 hours.

Don't take sleeping tablets if you can help it. Many doctors won't even dish them out as they are very addictive.