Got a call today about starting night shift tomorrow, well today now, because the overnight manager had an accident at home and let his finger know it was no longer needed and separated their relationship. I haven't slept good in weeks at this point...15-20 minute naps have been my best friend. Now that I have to stay up the only thing on my mind is going to bed.
I sympathize. Many years ago I worked in the London Docks and frequently worked all night. I remember one night there was a quite violent and irrational ourburst between a ships' crewmember and some dockworkers, fortunately quickly smoothed over by the ships' Chief Mate ( a German ). The people involved were usually OK guys and when I mused about this to the Chief Mate, he shrugged and simply said... 'It's not natural for men to work at night'.
I don't hate the shift, per say...it's the same 14 hour day no matter what time it is...it's just I don't sleep much as it is, and when I know I have to stay up to prepare for a night shift, that is when my body wants to sleep. We've had a rough time of it on the Drifter front as of late, and being home at night with the family is a big deal. Hopefully this is short term.
Don't know if this helps Drifter..but love night shift (think its the vampire in me trying to get out)! Anyway get time with fam on both ends...home when they get back from school/work, and then when they get up and out. Then its all quiet no one to disturb the sleep..windows blacked out by blankets, almost cave like! Couple things I do if it helps other than the cave....decent fan for white noise if you will. On those nights when you're trying to get in the swing of things....good time to hit the real man cave(garage) for some small projects sans power tools.....
Oooops, almost forgot and its a little week.... but have found it's a great time to catch up on the laundry!
The key to staying awake I find is laughter... On down times we pull pranks on eachother, tell jokes, etc... and lots and lots of coffee... hope this can get you laughing... [video=youtube;SEBLt6Kd9EY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEBLt6Kd9EY[/video] not sure why I thought this was so funny... being tired I guess [video=youtube;j-iUANTPOkk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-iUANTPOkk[/video] [video=youtube;SssapH1awc8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SssapH1awc8&feature=related[/video] have a good night... stay awake! lol
and lots and lots of coffee... Been trying for years to get someone to hook me up to an IV and a coffee pot! Some how I messed up quoting you Sunny.....sorry, guess I need that IV now! NURSE!!!!!!
When I was much younger I pulled 3rd shift for about 6 years for Exxon. It was a bear for the first 3-4 months but got used to eventually. I was single so much easier than for you, but it does have some perks, now if I could just remember what they are
Done many an overnighter, and I've found the trick is to start preparing a day or so ahead. The day before the night shift starts, stay up as long as possible that night. Caffeine, activities, whatever you can do to try to make it to sunrise. When its no longer possible to get your eyes to see any less than double, take a dose of Nyquil and hit the sack. Or an extra stiff dose, whatever your body needs to knock itself out for however many hours to get you to sleep all day. The next night should be a lot better, easier to stay awake, then another dose of Nyquil to make sure your body ignores the sun being up. Then get up and go to work for your shift. By this time, your body should have adjusted itself decently, and the only difficulties I ever had after that were the 2-4am stretch, especially if I was doing something that required me to sit down. That's where the 1-Liter bottle of Mountain Dew came in handy...
