[puzzclar]

I'm starting Graveyard here in a few weeks, and want to know some tips for working graveyard shifts. So let's here them. I'm concerned about keeping my recovery and my sanity. What tips do you have, for those that have done graveyard before?

[Yoda]

When I worked nights I worked only nights and didn't have to flip so on my off days I tried to maintain my day-sleep habit. I liked being able to grocery shop at 2am without lots of other customers in my way.

The hardest part was 5am. I always got drowsy then so I drank a fair bit of coffee during my shift.

[Raindropvampire]

I got room darkening curtains for my room AND I cover my eyes with a silk cloth.
I have a noise maker and a fan going to drown out noise from outside(lawn mowers, cars, radios, children etc...).
I keep to my schedule but will make adjustments to bedtime if I have an appointment.
At work I drink lots of water(if you have to constantly pee you aren't tired lol).
After 1pm I let EVERYONE know DO NOT CALL ME unless it's an emergency that can't wait.
Listen to your body. Some people cannot hack working nights. My dad tried and it literally made him sick. Me I'm a night owl by nature and don't like to sleep at night. Good luck to you. I hope you enjoy the new job

[Sjc0]

A box of the super soft ear plugs, Howard leight I believe is the brand I like best, made a huge difference for me.

[hvert]

I couldn't handle it. I tried to do graveyard + full time job but I quit graveyard after 2 partial shifts.

The way the company I was working for tried to do it was by gradually introducing you to the shift. The first couple of nights we worked 11-1. I quit before the 11-3 shift. If the company doesn't start you off that way, perhaps you could practice gradually shifting your sleep patterns on your own beforehand.

[Little Lulu]

Lots of good tips here. I could not work nights because I could never sleep well in the daytime and the lack of sleep did affect my sanity after a while.

I have a cousin who worked nights for 35 years and loved it. He is retired now but still stays up very late and sleeps most of the day. I hope it works for you but if not, I hope you can find something else.

[puzzclar]

I think I'll start flipping soon, like this week, I just hope that I can do it. I have done a few overnight but always fell asleep around 3am... but that was with a more active job. One good thing is that I can focus on my own recovery by reading a lot, but I'm concerned that depression wise.. well not sure if it's smart with meds.... may have to talk with pdoc to fully understand what can be done... I should move up that appointment or just talk with T about it in about an hour and half.