Any tips for working nights?

Good luck... Did nights for 2 years, 3-4 nights a week. I used to stay up till 2-3am on the night before and sleep for about 13-14 hours after my last shift of the week to reset the clock. First year was easy as I slept quite well between shifts but the second year was hell as my body decided I only needed 2-3 hours sleep between shifts.

There is most definitely a wall around 3am, I dint think you ever get used to that but once you get to 4-4.30 you get a second wind and the last part flies by.
 
I try to get up early the day of my first night shift, go for a run or a bike ride then do some household chores then go back to bed about 11-12 and sleep or rest until 4 when I get up and start getting ready. It suits me to go to bed at 0730 when I get in and get up at 1330-1430 to walk the dogs before work between shifts but I have colleagues who stay up to 10 and get up at 5, just completely reversing their normal routine. One guy even had 'dinner' at 0700 when he got in.

There is no one size fits all solution to nightshifts. Just experiment, get up early and go back to bed, if that doesn't work try sleeping in late before your first night shift. Try staying up when you get in and sleeping until you need to get up, and try going straight to bed and waking earlier. You'll soon find what works for you.

Also my personal sleep well rules:

1: No coffee in the last 4 hours of the shift.
2: Eat something light, like toast or cereal about an hour before bed so you're not full but you won't wake hungry.
3: Make room as dark as possible (and in the summer cool as possible)
4: Reduce distractions; I turn the buzzer off unless I'm expecting a delivery, put the phone on silent and unplug the house phone.
 
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Hikari Kisugi said:
It is the NHS after all ;)

Tally ho old chap, no problems with random nights here and there, seven day service and all that.
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phonemonkey said:
I try to get up early the day of my first night shift, go for a run or a bike ride then do some household chores then go back to bed about 11-12 and sleep or rest until 4 when I get up and start getting ready. It suits me to go to bed at 0730 when I get in and get up at 1330-1430 to walk the dogs before work between shifts but I have colleagues who stay up to 10 and get up at 5, just completely reversing their normal routine. One guy even had 'dinner' at 0700 when he got in.

There is no one size fits all solution to nightshifts. Just experiment, get up early and go back to bed, if that doesn't work try sleeping in late before your first night shift. Try staying up when you get in and sleeping until you need to get up, and try going straight to bed and waking earlier. You'll soon find what works for you.
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Context: OP is apparently a Doctor.
 
You can try staying up night before.

First day after you'll feel a bit jet lagged. Second and 3rd night will be easier.
 
Get black out curtains to help you sleep better during the day. Makes a real difference to my quality of sleep not having light coming in. Still no substitute for good night time sleeping, but helps with the transition to becoming a night owl in my opinion.
 
The Mad Rapper said:
It's very alarming that you don't understand the purpose of a forum is to ask questions...
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Look, I kind of get that so agreed.

OP is a GP, lapsed if I understand his posts in Motors correctly, but seems unfamliar with the very basics of how to do his job when it's not day time.

I applaud the very public request for help.
 
Dr House said:
Thanks, strange that you like doing nights, I don't think I have met anyone that enjoys it.
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If I have to do overtime, I only do night shifts, did nights exclusively for 7 years and now I am on a different job I have to work 3 nights, 3 off, 3 days, 3 off. but i would much prefer to stick to full night shifts =(
 
[FnG]magnolia;29301719 said:
Look, I kind of get that so agreed.

OP is a GP, lapsed if I understand his posts in Motors correctly, but seems unfamliar with the very basics of how to do his job when it's not day time.

I applaud the very public request for help.
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What are you on? Please enlighten me as to how you've come to the conclusion that he is unfamiliar with his job after hours because he's asked for some advice on night working.

Your comment is unfair.
 
Mason- said:
What are you on? Please enlighten me as to how you've come to the conclusion that he is unfamiliar with his job after hours because he's asked for some advice on night working.

Your comment is unfair.
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To be fair, would you want a Doctor/Medical Professional treating you or your family that couldn't work out for themselves how to work 'Nights'? I know I wouldn't. :D
 
Doesn't this breach the medical thread rules? ;)

Blackout curtains are good and go to bed when you get home even if you are not tired (this is easier in the winter).
Eat dinner at your normal time (6pm for instance)
I'm going to guess that you would have to be fairly alert considering your job so staying awake for hours and hours before your shift is not something I would advise to start with (maybe when you are more used to it)
I found getting a couple of hours sleep before work after a break (weekends) helped.
Don't drink alcohol when you get home.
 
Did nights in my early 20's and found it easy (could sleep for hours any time so change to pattern didn't matter) but would hate to do it now as I seem to struggle getting 8 hours at the best of times - I'd probably end up not sleeping for 24+ hours sometimes. THink I did a rotating shift for a while too back then - 2 weeks day shift, 2 weeks afternoons, 2 weeks nights.
 
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Sone said:
When I did nights I always found diet was key. Lots of water and fruit helped me adjust.
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I avoided eating heavy meals overnight. My digestive system isn't used to working overnight, don't know about anyone else! Lots of fruit did it for me along with slow release carb meal before work. I made it a rule not to eat a meal after 10pm. Avoid energy and fizzy drinks if possible.

I don't think I'd do nights again, it's not worth the money. Even in one job where I was able to sleep for 4+ hours some nights, I still felt like crap.

Good luck! Everyone finds their own way of dealing with it. I've even seen people resorting to recreational substances. :eek: Obviously don't do that! :D
 
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I worked nights for some time and I ......hated it.

I think the best advice has been mentioned than that is making sure that you try to adjust yoursel before you start. Stay up all night, the night before, and sleep in the day before you start.

The second night was also the worst for me......every single time I did it.
 
Been working nights for 18 years,prefer nights to days.

Cant really give any advice as everyone is different,i tend to get home in the morning about 6.50 and stay awake till 11ish,get up at 6pm,cup of tea,have some toast about 8 and get ready and leave for work at 9pm,i have a 3 course meal at work at 1am,another break at 4am (both 30 mins).

you will find it really hard only doing 3 nights,drink red bull or coffee for the first night,before you think about working nights you will be back on days :)
 
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