Shift work....
By DallasFAN99
@DallasFAN99 (210)
United States
June 4, 2008 4:18pm CST
I just switched to "Mid-shift," or the 11 to 7 shift. I tried staying up late and sleeping in the day before my first over-night shift, but it didn't do too much good. I was still very tired. I know this is to be expected, but is there any trick to making the transition easier?
I'm trying to avoid getting all "hyped-up" on caffeine or other stay awake substances (not drugs...) Hopefully, there is something better than just "get used to it..."
How many of you regularly change the shift you'll be working? Do you have a standard, set-schedule?
Help! I'm sleepy...
1 response
@lissavalerian (247)
• United States
4 Jun 08
Argh! I've done more than my fair share of shift work!
It can be very rough to transition. One of the things that I've used to help me transition is melatonin. The body produces melatonin normally at night when you're *supposed* to be sleeping so, to help yourself get adjusted, take the recommended dose of melatonin like half an hour before you plan on getting a full 8 hours of sleep. It helps you to get more restful sleep, so that when you do wake up, you'll be more alert then. Melatonin is often used for jetlag.
Whenever you're supposed to be awake, make sure your work space is well lit, that will help to decrease the amount of melatonin your body produces at night and help you to stay more alert.
Just my suggestion ... I hope this helps.
1 person likes this
@DallasFAN99 (210)
• United States
4 Jun 08
Melatonin is a great suggestion! See, that's the very problem with the transition - melatonin is a hormone produced by the body (like you said) when you're in a dark environment. So when I drive to work and the sun is long gone, this is what I get used to. But, when I LEAVE work and the sun is back up.......totally messes with my head!
Do you know if melatonin supplements are sold at normal vitamin shops?
