How Do I Survive My First Night Shift?

Tips for staying awake and alert during your shift

1. Nap. Take a 30 minute nap before your shift begins and, if possible, try to get in a few 10-20 minute naps throughout the night.
2. Eat small portions throughout the shift.
3. Keep moving.
4. Chat with your co-workers.
5. Be careful with your caffeine intake.

How do you get through your first night shift?

Tips For Surviving Your First Night Shift

1. Sleep During the Day. One of the biggest challenges to staying awake all night is getting enough sleep during the day.
2. Don’t Over-Caffeinate.
3. Pack a Snack.
4. Take a Power Nap.
5. Take Advantage of Spare Time.

Should you sleep before first night shift?

Before your first night shift, it’s a good idea to try to sleep during the day so you are not awake for a full 24-hour period. Some people may find that staying up late the night before the first shift helps to get them into a routine.

How long does it take for your body to adjust to night shift?

about 10 days
It takes about 10 days for the body to adjust to night shift work. However, it is common for night shift workers to revert to daytime routines for a day or two during days off, which tends to make the circadian rhythm unstable. The amount of hours (8-hour versus 12-hour shifts) is also controversial.

How do nurses survive the first night shift?

Survival Tips for Nurses Working the Night Shift

1. Get an Adequate Amount of Sleep.
2. Use Caffeinated Products Wisely.
3. Make Healthier Meal and Snack Choices.
4. Monitor Your Health.
5. Bond with Your Co-Workers.
6. Find Constructive Ways to Keep Busy.
7. Exercise or Get Active to Stay Alert.
8. Create a Healthy Balance on the Home Front.

When should I sleep if I work nights?

You should gradually delay your bedtime by one or two hours each night a few days prior to starting the night shift if possible. This will help you get enough rest and avoid sudden changes. Some rotating shifts are better for sleep than others.

What should you eat on a night shift?

Keep hydrated during the shift—water is best. “Avoid eating between midnight and 6 am, if possible, and if you do need to eat during the night, go for low calorie, protein rich snacks—don’t graze your way through the night. “Finally, eat a healthy breakfast before your daytime sleep so you don’t wake up hungry.

What do nurses do on night shift?

Duties. Night shift nurses have the same responsibilities as day shift nurses, including routine patient care, administering medication and addressing patient concerns. Often, night shift work is slower and more manageable than day shift work as many patients are asleep.

What should I drink on night shift?

• A Cup of Joe (Coffee) I thought I’d kick things off with the most common, popular choice among night shift workers.
• Green Tea. Do you need something warm but healthy to give you an energy boost after putting down your coffee?
• Yerba Mat?
• Kombucha.
• Coconut Water.
• Organifi Green Juice.
• Homemade Green Juice.
• Smoothies.

Do night shifts shorten your life?

It has shown that one in ten of those who have worked rotating shifts for six years will die early. It’s not just the harm we’re doing to ourselves – in some jobs we put others at risk.

Are night shifts worth it?

Furthermore, by taking the overnight shift, you might get paid more. Because that shift is generally less desirable, many companies pay employees who work it a considerably higher rate. That could, in turn, improve your quality of life, help you build savings, or assist you in paying off debt.

What are the benefits of working night shift?

Perks of Working on the Night Shift

• Better pay. Individuals whose regularly scheduled non-overtime hours fall between 3 p.m. and 8 a.m. typically receive what’s known as a “night shift differential” in their pay rate.
• Easier commute.
• More free time during the day.
• Go back to school.
• More opportunities.
• Increased focus.

How do I sleep on days off night shift?

On days off, try to stay up until the middle of the night (3-4 a.m.), and sleep until noon or 1 p.m. That way, your body always has some hours of sleep that are the same every 24-hour period (for example, 8 a.m. to noon is always a sleep time, on both work and rest days).

Do nurses sleep on night shift?

Many nurses try to maintain their night shift sleeping schedule when they’re not working: typically, this involves staying up until 3 or 4am and going to bed and sleeping in until 11am or 12pm.

How do doctors prepare for night shifts?

Sleep

1. Enjoy a lie-in and wake up naturally on the day before your first set of nights.
2. Try to get a 20-40 minute nap in the late afternoon the day before your nights start.
3. Get rest when you can while on shift.
4. Get to sleep as soon as possible and for as long as possible in the day during your set of night shifts.

Is it unhealthy to work night shift?

Sleeping during the day and working at night increases your risk of obesity and diabetes. In the case of night-shift workers, these disorders are caused by an imbalance in hormone production. The real danger here is that even if you eat a healthy diet, the hormone imbalance can still lead to obesity and diabetes.

Is 5 hours of sleep enough?

Sometimes life calls and we don’t get enough sleep. But five hours of sleep out of a 24-hour day isn’t enough, especially in the long term. According to a 2018 study of more than 10,000 people, the body’s ability to function declines if sleep isn’t in the seven- to eight-hour range.

How do I not gain weight when working night shift?

Make sure it is a high protein meal with complex carbohydrates, healthy fat, fruits, and vegetables. Prepare Healthy Meals: Instead of one large meal, eat smaller, low-fat snacks throughout your shift. Choose local, fresh, organic foods as much as possible.

Why do nurses love night shifts?

Since patients are set to rest and sleep at night, most of them only need monitoring, giving nurses more time with their patients.After adjusting to a nocturnal schedule, nurses find that the night shift has a significantly slower pace and is less stressful.

Does working night shift make you gain weight?

Working the night shift burns less energy and increases risk of weight gain. People who work the night shift are likely burning less energy during a 24-hour period than those on a normal schedule, increasing their risk for weight gain and obesity, according to a new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder.

When should I eat when working night shift?

Night-shift meal ideas start with timing
Experts suggest eating a balanced meal before arriving at work or within 2-3 hours of starting your shift. It will provide a strong foundation to get you through the night. Make sure this meal includes some lean protein and dietary fiber.