work schedule

1) Manage your sleep during the day. Regulate the length and soundness of your sleep. Screen out all distractions, including phone calls, interruptions and light. Try to make your bedroom noise proof. Establish a pattern of sleep and stick to it. (2) Don’t volunteer too often for double shifts. The sleep deprivation could put your life, as well as that of those you encounter, in danger. (3) Don’t try to follow the same routine as you did prior to your night job. Educate your friends and family to your new routine. It is possible, however, to plan social outings into your new routine. (4) On your days off, try not to totally revert to pre night shift sleep routine. This will avoid the shock of reverting to your work sleep pattern. Try sleeping through just half of your night shift time. (5) Don’t overeat at night. Eat several smaller meals rather than one or two larger ones. Avoid sweets and fatty foods that may make you drowsy. (6) Take a short nap about 30 minutes before you leave for work. After work, get yourself to sleep as soon as you are relaxed enough to do so. Working the graveyard shift is definitely a challenge. But by taking care of your physical needs with a regular, disciplined life pattern outside of work time you will be able to make a success of night shift work.

When I worked for Casey's I always had a night schedule. And, I didn't like it at all. When, I would get home, my energy level would be up. And, depending on what was going on at the place. I would stay up till three o' clock in the morning and wouldn't wake up till about ten o' clock the next morning. Then the work day would start all over again at two p.m. With the job I have now, I'm on days. I feel like my sleep cycle is a lot more stable than when I worked at that convenience store. I would not want to work another job where I would have to work nights.