Heya, I was just wondering how you guys adjusted to being up until 6am on a regular basis. I'm getting enough sleep but feeling knackered because I'm not used to it yet. Thanks everyone xx
Heya, I was just wondering how you guys adjusted to being up until 6am on a regular basis. I'm getting enough sleep but feeling knackered because I'm not used to it yet. Thanks everyone xx
It's just a case of getting used to it. Your body clock will adjust over time...
But: I find after a break these things help to 'speed it up' again;
Get some blackout curtains so you get better quality sleep during the day.
Make sure your bedroom is tidy and relaxing. Sleep hygiene is key. Clean sheets, tidy room, tidy mind.
Keep a pint of water by your bed. Drink it before you sleep, ESPECIALLY if you've been drinking at work. When I'm dehydrated I wake up feeling worse than before I slept.
If you can, avoid caffeine and stimulants while you work. That stuff is the devil if you struggle with your sleeping pattern. It will also make you sick as a dog if you drink too much.
Keep a routine. Even if it is backwards compared to everyone elses, set your alarm and stick to it.
The more hard and fast you stick to your routine, the faster it will become normal. I still struggle because I only work two days a week, and have to be up early every other day. But when I did work 5 nights, I made sure I kept a pattern that mimicked my 'normal' sleeping pattern, just during the day instead of the night.
There are some great tips here too.
http://www.nursetogether.com/Career/...ift-Nurse.aspx
Last edited by _natasha; 05-11-2012 at 07:05 AM. Reason: spelling.
Thanks heaps, I'm trying not to drink at work at the moment cause it makes me less alert and i don't want to drink my paycheck. I'm still not up to doing a full shift without caffeine but I'll work on it x
Keep eating during your shift... I always bring a meal with me, a wrap or a sensible sandwich.... Even brown pasta in tupperware. Then maybe some fruit for later. That helps keep my energy levels up without Red Bull, pro plus or something harder. Even if it doesn't feel right to eat in the night, remember, that's your lunch!
It also gives me a reason to go in the dressing room and relax for 10 minutes, and it's a pick me up when it's slow or the guys are dickheads. Something to look forward to (I LOVE food). But try and avoid pure sugar snacks, however tempting they are, because you'll peak and then crash. If your club is anything like mine, especially at weekends the best selling time is just before kicking out time... Keep positive for it.
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