Overnight Shifts

HeatherNichole2

Anyone here work overnights? Any advice for how to balance diet ,exercise, energy, and family when my schedule is opposite of basically everyone in my life?

SWellz

The biggest thing I do to keep my diet in check overnight is to pack my lunch. That 2am Wawa run for "coffee" becomes sandwiches and other things real fast when you're hungry. I tend to exercise before I go to work as I don't sleep as long during the day.

cate320

I used to work 10:30p to 7:30a. Ate lunch at work around 3am and dinner at around 9am after I got home. Went to bed around 1 or 2, so I had the whole morning to spend with family. It took some getting used to, but after a few weeks, it was routine and my energy levels were just as they would be for a diurnal pattern. My advice - invest in some good earplugs, black out curtains and/or a sleep mask.

hekla90

Bring your food! Every normal weight nurse I work with brings their lunch. I have an active job so I don't worry about exercising on days I work but make an effort to run on the days I don't. I also pack high protein filling foods and high fiber low calorie foods. So usually dry roasted edamame, grape tomatoes, sliced peppers, etc.

wendhall

I work night shift also and have a very hard time. On my days off when I have slept all night I feel motivated. When I an working a few days in a row I feel horrible and all I care about is sleeping. I have been on nights six months and it hasn't gotten better. I joined the gym so I can go after work in the morning before I go home but by morning I am so tired and miserable I just go home. I am preparing to leave night shift for these reasons. Sometimes I bring salads at night but by the time I get to eat salads make me nauseated. Bagels and candy bars are fine though. Afraid I don't have much help except get off night shift for me.

lizzyclatworthy

I loved nights because there wasn't any option other than what I brought with me.
I like the pre prepared tupperware thing. It seems to suit me. Sometimes I still eat like that even though I'm a sahm.
I was a bugger for a McDonald's breakfast on the way home so it became my last night of the week treat.