How To Survive the Night Shift

​In many industries, night shifts are a regular occurrence. From warehouses and factories to nurses and healthcare assistants, working in hospitals, the night shift is the norm across industries. However, it is not the norm for human beings. 

The night shift can be very draining on the human body because your body expects to be sleeping during the night. Forcing yourself to stay awake for prolonged periods is unnatural. You might find yourself spending a substantial amount of your time off, recovering from your time on, which can make you feel like your life is upside down.

​Coping With Night Shifts

​It is not just a case of mind over matter, you have options. From using a Fladrafinil solution to working permanent nights and staying in that mode, there are coping methods you can establish to survive this lifestyle. With that in mind, let's take a look at how you can survive the night shift.

​Cluster your night shifts whenever possible. Ask your supervisor to schedule you for night shifts in clusters. It's not easy on the body to switch on and off, between nights and days. So if you can, make sure you are working your day shifts in one cluster and your night shifts in another. You'll have better job satisfaction, better quality and quantity of sleep, and less fatigue.

​Night Shift Routine

​Stick to a routine. Once you've figured out how you can sleep during the day, eat well, and get through the night shift, stay on track with that routine. It's a good time management strategy, to ensure you have a schedule for other aspects of your life. You can then plan out ideal times for self-care activities, such as yoga, meditation, or napping, in addition to handling household chores. 

Make sure everyone you live with is on board e.g. your partner, children, roommates, or other family members. Let them know your work and sleep schedule, so they can accommodate it. Make them aware, you may need additional help to stay asleep. However, set aside some quality time to spend with loved ones, sharing a meal or enjoying hobbies together, to maintain those connections.

​Good Sleep Hygiene

Practice good sleep hygiene. By maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, you will be able to create an environment that is conducive to a good night's sleep. You may prefer to sleep with a light on, but if you need deep sleep, try using blackout curtains, wearing a sleep mask, or running a white noise machine. A fan can also help you relax. 

Prioritize your sleep. If you feel exhausted after a night shift, refrain from driving in that condition. Take an Uber home, or call a friend or family member to pick you up. Your safety and getting home promptly, for adequate sleep, should be prioritized.

​On the other hand, kratom is also gaining attention as an option for those looking to improve their sleep hygiene. Derived from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, kratom from Club13 offers unique effects that can range from stimulating to relaxing, depending on the strain and dosage.

There are many helpful ways to make coping with working night shifts a little easier. Establish a schedule, partner with loved ones for assistance, and explore supplements for restful sleep. As you continue to streamline the process, you will surely find a routine that works best for your unique circumstances.