working nights

huxley37_2

hi this is my first thread.i am starting a new job on sunday night with a supermarket(every little helps!!)i have never worked nights b4 and am quite nervous any tips for staying awake!!!i have done this so we don,t have to pay for childcare

Edinburghlass_2

Welcome to MSE and what a great subject for a first thread

I can't help you with it but Glad, the Board Guide for this board, works nights as a nurse and I am sure she will come up with suggestions for you.

rolpaula

try and get an afternoon nap on the Sunday................
when on your shift have plenty of breaks if you can..............
if your feeling sleepy get some fresh air and go for a walk it does the trick for me..............................


hope that helps:D

eml_3

Dh works nights. He found it pretty hard to get used at first but always tries to get a nap in the afternoon before he starts nights. Then he swears by coffee and having a snack around 4.00am as that is when he starts to feel it. He also uses Kalms to help him wind down and sleep when he gets in. I don't think you ever sleep as well during the day but you will get used to it.

fsdss

drink a stimulant drink(such as red bull or equivalent) in early evening to keep u buzzin'

huxley37_2

thanks for all the replies i will try and get a nap in the afternoon subject to kids behaving!!!!

tobyjug

Hi

Hope your nights go well, my problem with nights and I have worked them on and off for years is getting to sleep after them, it is always my problem and its best if you stay up for a few hours just to unwind ,if you are going to stay awake all day the next day make sure you try and have 1-2 hours sleep before you go to work. Drink water throughout the night and avoid coffee to early on. I found that I used to struggle between 4-6 am and its good to have a snack then. It can seem really strange but the best thing is coming home knowing that everybody else is going to work.

Davidboy

I have worked nights for the 10 or so years, and to be honest there is not a sure fire way to get through them. Some people feel sick, others are just very tired, I try to sleep for at least a couple of hours in the afternoon, especially before the first night, and of course try to get a good "days" sleep. Eating also becomes a problem, cos your body has to take food, when you are suppose to be asleep, hence some people get a weight problem.

What I am trying to say is, all people will be different, see what works for you. I personally eat very little while working, just odd snacks. I should say I am a shift worker, so work nights early mornings, afternoons and of course nights, so my body has not a clue where it is most of the time.

Best of luck..

D

zodiac

Davidboy wrote:

I am a shift worker, so work nights early mornings, afternoons and of course nights, so my body has not a clue where it is most of the time.

I know that feeling :rolleyes:

The first week will seem like h*ll but you should get use to it, see if you're allowed to listen to music and if you are take headphones.

I would say take a bottle of water on to the shop floor (an own brand bottle from another shop so you wont be said to be stealing) and keep drinking, relax at home and if your not feeling that the job is right after a month or two (both to you and your home life) then give it up - there is no shame in that.

Good luck, let us know how it goes

Glad

I found it difficult when children were younger to get a sleep in the afternoon before going to work, as they wanted to see me after school,
if I'm able I will take them to school and then go back to bed until lunchtime before my first night shift,
similarly I always wanted to go to bed soon after my shift ended (8am) so that I was sleeping while they were in bed,
as to staying awake during night, it's fine if I'm busy I just keep going so try to pace your work, if I'm not busy then I try to find jobs such as cupboard sorting etc and failing that I do keep some red bull type drinks and proplus as a back up
try not to use these too often though as your body will just get used to them and the effect will be diminished

Turning_into_scrooge

One thing that may help you is to buy an eye mask to sleep in especially if you have nearly luminous curtains like i have and the sun is shining :eek: i find if i've been up all night that this helps me. Failing that you can always find another use for it :rotfl: