Finding Balance When Working Shifts
Are you working nights or shifts that have your internal clock off its schedule? Follow these tips to get the rest you need to maintain focus and stay healthy:
- Keep your sleep environment quiet and dark. Use black out drapes or wear a sleep mask.
- Wear dark glasses on your drive home to reduce the effects of daylight so your body will be ready to sleep when you get home.
- Block noise and sounds with ear plugs or use a white noise machine to reduce distracting sounds.
- Keep your room cool at around 65° F.
- If you drink coffee, soda or other caffeinated beverages, try to do so early in your shift to prevent the caffeine from keeping you up when you’re ready to sleep.
- Avoid eating high-calorie or high-fat meals and get plenty of exercise.
If you still find yourself having trouble getting your body adjusted or experience excessive sleepiness, talk to your primary care provider. Some shift workers develop a sleep disorder that can be treated.
