Tips for shift work

[Simplelife78]

I’m starting a new job within the NHS soon, non clinical.

I will be working fulltime, doing a mix of long days 7:30-8:30 and nights 8-8.

I previously worked 10 hour days, 4 days a week, sometimes working an extra 10 hour shift on bank.

Im after some tips on how to cope with the shifts.

looking at an example of their rota, it will be 3 shifts a week of either the long days or nights, with one week being 4 shifts.

I really don’t want to waste my days off inbetween shifts but also need to make sure I’m well rested.
Any meal tips for working nights would also be helpful.

Thanks all

If you work nights it's best when you get home after you shift to stay up for about 5 hours before going to bed. This best mimics what you'd do as a day worker. Get into a fixed routine of when to get up, when to eat and when to work. Get blackout blinds for your b droom. Shift work unless it's continuous is a really bad for your own health. The rotating shifts are far worse than fixed ones. Make sure you build in some down time for fun.

I knew a shift worker two night on, two days on, rotated. 12 hour shifts. He used to take a nap in the afternoon prior to going on a night shift at 1900.

He swore by it & remarked that those who didn’t nap, really struggled overnight.

You might have to work out how best to make it work for you but I hope it goes well for you.

Try and get outside during daylight everyday. Difficult in winter!

Thanks all.

I think a fixed routine would definitely help me, so that will be my plan. I’ll get my shifts well in advance so should be able to plan in time for fun and relaxing.

I have a very full household at the mo including a 5 month old grandchild so I plan to make sure they’re all aware of my shifts and when I’ll be sleeping.

I would get yourself a decent eye mask and some ear plugs. I liked to have my electric blanket on a bit as it helped me relax. Some people are really good at night shift and manage to get in lots of sleep, others not so much. I would eat light during night shift. I used to have my dinner at dinner time when I woke then take a breakfast style meal like Greek yogurt and granola to have at my break then that was it until I got home and might have some toast. It’s all trial and error really but you will find your groove after a few shifts.