I’ve started working full time doing shift work. This week I’m working 12-8am So far I’ve slept during the day and then a couple of hours before the start of the shift.
Does anyone have ideas on how to survive night shift?
Sleep during the day.
two words: Red bull
redbull.doc (57 KB)
quit
RED BULL!! that stuff is good exsept for the fact that it can cause epilepsy 
Yup, that works!
Uh, on second thought, does anyone else have any ideas? 
become a coffee/espresso drinker, it isnt as harmful as caffeine drinks like V and Red Bull!!
or u could take No-Doz tablets, very effective 
or speed if ur into it
Coffee… make friends with it. what kind of work do you do anyways?
Well me and my friends are getting into “polyphasic” sleep this summer since we’re going to have alot of free time to cope with the changes of our biological clock…
That might be an option… but it’s kindof drastic… and maybe not all that safe.
I worked the night shift one summer when I was about your age. I went home and slept right after the shift. My folks were at work and didn’t disturb me. I’d get up and enjoy the evening and then go to work.
Shouldn’t you be in school?
It takes a few weeks to become fully adjusted, but as long as you just shift your sleep time and try to stick a semi-similar schedule on the weekends, it’s not too bad. It’s just that first adjustment period that is a bit rough.
It shouldn’t be a problem after your body has become used to the new patterns of sleep / awake time. That could take a while, though. Keep in mind that these patterns are biologically driven, and exporsure to the sun is a major factor. Your “off” time (esp. after your shift) should be spent in a dim or dark room, and your bedroom should be kept as dark as possible to promote the best sleep (at least that was the case for me).
Developing a routine that you follow each day may help… take a short ride every morning, eat a light meal just before you go to work, etc. Diet and exercise always helps… eat lighter meals more often (stay away from fatty foods… they’ll make you tired!) and drink lots of water. Your body is going to be a bit shocked by your new routine.
When you wake up spend some time in the sun before you go to work. If the sun is setting, go somewhere bright, where there’s a lot of lighting. While at work you should be in an environment that is as bright as possible. Keep your mind and body active while at work… physical exercises every hour really helps (even if it’s just a few minutes of stretching, walking around the building).
What kind of work are you doing? Making your work fun and enjoyable helps the hours go by…
Leave it to Maestro to write a novel for a simple question
Thanks. That’s the kind of thing I was looking for. 
I’m not quite sure how to define what I do. I’m working at a hardwood plywood dryer. The 4’x4’ by 1/4inch thick sheets need swung and sorted into different bins. It’s basically steady fast aerobic exercise in a brightly lit area.
I just graduated from high school after Christmas. I’m continuing with part time (9 credits per semester) collage via distance edu. and now am working full time as well.
The problem with adjusting is that your on a different shift each week.
I’m off to bed.
that switching back and forth from night to day shift is gonna mess your internal clock right up… you still havent answered…what kind of work do you do?
he didn’t?
so a lumber sorter?? is that what you do?
I don’t think that he’s going to answer you tonight.
Sleep before you go to work, and stay up a bit after work. As for staying up, coffee is your friend. The only other advice I have is try to have some fun at work and for God’s sake don’t wear a watch!