Doing my first night shift tonight at work

..hi skyeblue, my work is graveyard shift so to keep me awake, ofcourse coffee will be helpful but when i feed up i used gatorade+banana, cola drinks, energy drinks, i wear something uncomfortable enough to stay in one position while sitting and if you really going to fall asleep try splashing your face with eyes open with cold water...avoid reading books, avoid sitting so comfortable always have somebody to talk with..hope this help..

well, when i worked nights, i was lucky, i had no kids to worry about and now, some years later and two kids, i dont think i could do it. i am too old! lol!

I used to work 3rd shift.. Seeing you have young children in school, utilize that time to sleep. Up when they come home from school, have dinner with them and then slide in a small nap if possible. I agree with the other responses in drinking coffee or tea.. Energy drinks will help for that extra burst of energy but, careful for the downfall.. Sugar as well helps keep you going... And bananas do help.. You'll be fine.. I always loved that shift.. As well as the pay differential.. ;)

Hi, Skyeblue! I worked overnight in a hotel before. If it was my first night, I would try to get some sleep in late afternoon for a few hours until 7 or 8pm before I got ready to work. On the second day, after signing off usually at 7am, I had a light breakfast and by that time I knew I would sleep through the whole day until afternoon. I didn't want to wake up with my tummy empty and growling, that's why I ate some before I dozed off. After waking up, I would normally took a shower and eat something. It's good to really rest and sometimes I would feel sleepy again and sleep until evening before preparing to go to work again. I would eat dinner at the hotel cafeteria. If you a coffee drinker, it really helps, but what I did before was just kept myself busy or talked and laughed with someone.

I'd say, first get some rest (if not sleep) in the afternoon before, you should be more rested. And maybe push it a little more on the coffee, it should work too. Just don't drink loads, but a bit...I think anyways it'll be more 'natural' for you to be up because you will be working so your mind will be active.

I think when you are very sleepy, you could watch some interesting movies to keep you awake or watch dances. If you have enough space, you can dance with the music(not too loud), you can also drink some coffee to keep you awake.