


I've worked with guys whos bodies never get adjusted to it.
#GRAVEYARD SHIFT SLEEP SCHEDULE WINDOWS#
At the very least, you want to put dark shades over your windows to keep out the sun.įinally, realize that some people just aren't cut out to work the graveyard shift. WebMD explains what shift work sleep disorder is and how you can maintain a healthy life and get the sleep you need while working late shift hours. If you find yourself being woken up by traffic noises, the neighbor mowing his lawn, or sunlight through a window, adjust your sleep area to compensate. However, it is recommended by doctors that you get good amount of sleep on a daily basis no matter what. Consuming alcohol is one example of a less effective strategy. Some methods of changing your sleep schedule are less effective than others. I know guys who can break up their sleep, but they're pretty rare and usually burn out eventually. Genes or late nights working the graveyard shift may incline your circadian rhythm one way or another. Figure out if you're going to stay up when you get home or if you're going to get up early, but do everything you can to give yourself the 8 or so hours of sleep in one long stretch. Like I said, midnights take the most adjustment for your body.you have to give yourself time to make that adjustment, and altering your schedule just makes it worse.Īlso, try not to break up your sleep. If you are tired, rest, says Danielle Pearson, who worked remote overnight. If you can, even stick with something close to it on your days off for a while. Your body usually knows what it needs even if your brain may disagree. If you work the night shift, you are already predisposed to sleeping fewer hours per week than if you worked during the day, so try to sleep as much as possible. I've worked midnights in some form since before I was a sworn officer, so I can give you a couple pieces of advice.įirst and foremost, figure out your sleep schedule and stick with it. Keep a regular sleep schedule go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every day. Your social/home life would probably make the determination as to which you want to do.

Others prefer to crash as soon as they get home and wake up a few hours before they go to work. Personally, I prefer to stay up a few hours when I get home and then sleep until I have to get up for work again. Midnights requires the most adjustment to your sleep schedule of any shift.
