It’s easy to fall back into a ‘normal’ sleep schedule on days off but can be confusing for the body when switching back and forth. Nurses working three 12-hour shift every week can have a hard time managing their sleep schedule on days they are off work. Make sure to take any form of sleep aid two hours before your desired bedtime. Melatonin and Unisom are among the most popular for insomnia relief. Those who have trouble adjusting to their new sleep schedule may consider a sleep supplement. Sticking to a sleep schedule can be hugely beneficial in adjusting to non-traditional work hours. Multiple sleep sessions of a few hours can disrupt circadian rhythm, where extended periods of rest will help form a healthy internal rhythm. Once those are up, and sun exposure is minimized, try setting aside a dedicated 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Night shift nurses full#
Get a full eight hours of sleep-at least!Īny fellow night shift nurse will recommend investing in blackout curtains-they’re said to be a night nurse’s best friend. These tips are an excellent place to start in finding a balance that suits your needs.
Although this balance will look different for everyone, the compounding stress of not wanting to disrupt your personal life and mastering your new role can feel overwhelming. While experienced night shift nurses understand the transition to the late shift firsthand, new nurses can struggle in establishing a sense of work-life balance. This combination also affords night shift nurses the ability to develop deeper relationships with their patients. The slowdown of incoming patients and fewer nurses on duty allow night shift nurses to be more autonomous. The transition to working night shifts can be challenging whether it’s your first time, or if it’s been a while since you’ve been to the ‘dark side.’ Despite the sleep schedule adjustment, many nurses find night shifts are a great way to further develop their skill set.
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