Ahh. The graveyard shift.  It’s a love-hate relationship for the people who actually love it.  However, you don’t love it... or yet, at least.  You probably chose the shift because it’s the job you want, and that was the only shift available.  Don’t worry; you made a great choice and will succeed! Unfortunately, different people thrive with different schedules.  So, it may take a while to figure out what works for you, and that’s okay! Here are some reminders for that 24-hour period of working a night shift.

The day of

Get sleep.  Whatever way you do it, sleep until you can’t anymore, or take a nap in the middle of the day. 

Keep hydrated and eat healthy.  I know that’s wayyyy easier said than done, but it is a must to give your body the energy to do its thing even after midnight.

Workout. Whether it’s hitting the gym, taking a small walk outside, or doing a home workout, keeping active before your shifts can help you feel more energized during your shift. 

The night of

Keep up and moving during your shift.  Small snacks during the shift help your body not only stay awake but don’t let you crash like a huge meal would. 

Caffeine can be your friend or your enemy.  I’m going to leave this one up to you.  You know your body better than anybody and what it can handle. 

The morning after

Wear sunglasses when you leave the hospital.

Eat when you get home.

Dark, blackout curtains are a must.

Put the phone on DND and sleep.

Typically, it takes a few months to get adjusted to night shift.  Once that time has passed, if you are still struggling, start looking at your schedule.  Can you do 3 shifts in a row?  Do you need to back it down to just 2 shifts or even 1 then two nights off, then another?  Switch up to just working weekends or start looking at your routine.  Did you incorporate none, some, or all of the above options?  We don’t want you to just survive night shift, we want you to thrive! 

 Let us know if there are other tips you’ve learned to survive on night shift, or if any of these tips work for you!

Important: *Your mental health matters*. If at any time your mental health is not good due to working night shift, reach out to someone. Thoughts of hurting yourself or others, being unable to eat, can’t sleep, and feelings of being depressed are not normal.  Reach out to your healthcare provider, call a friend, call 988, let someone know!