I am always happy to answer readers’ questions, but please make sure you provide me with an email address that works! A few times now I have tried to answer questions but they bounce back. So whoever asked this one, I hope you get to read it here…
Wendy
Hi, I have been working the night shift as a nurse for 8 years now. I am only 32. I have a 14 month old and she is with me during the day. My husband takes care of her at night. Crazy as it sounds we suspect that I may be expecting again. The thought of another 6 month bout of sleepless nights and days is really scary. We just did this! I nap when my daughter naps and nap again sometimes 2-3 hrs before going into work on a good day. On days off I find myself sleeping away the entire day. I know this is not healthy. Insomnia sites never talk about the night shift worker and ways to get enough sleep. Would you agree that the quality of sleep at night is better than the sleep we try to get with all the distractions during the day? What would you suggest night shift workers do to get better quality sleep? Can’t wait to hear from you -Akima
Hi Akima
Working night shift takes an enormous toll on your circadian rhythm (body clock) and sleeping during the day is not as restful as sleeping at night due to noise, interruptions and also the fact that we are simply not programmed to sleep during daylight hours. However it sounds like you don’t even have the luxury of sleeping during the day!
I usually recommend Melatonin for those who have to sleep during the day as it tends to reset the body clock, but this works best if you can establish some sort of routine for your daytime sleep.
I know it’s hard, but try to carve out 3-4 hours during the day and take some melatonin before retiring. Try to make this as early as possible during the day if you can.
Have a look on the site www.insomnia-connection.com/insomnia-articles.html , there are some articles on shift work in there which may help as well.
All the best to you
Wendy
