12hour night shift workers

idivadi

I am looking to connect with people who work 12hour nightshifts. I have difficulty making others understand some of the challenges I face. For example I often get told not to eat after eight at night. This works if you are going to sleep thru the night but if you are up and active it is not possible. OTHERS do not get this. I am looking for support from people who face those night shift challenges(trying not to use the word problem.).

Teresa652

I work rotating 12 hour shifts. I find that the day shifts are easy and normal but the nights is the worst. I'll get up at 7:00 with the kids and try to go down for a 2-3 hour nap in the afternoon. I make sure I have plenty of food for the nights because if I start using the vending machines for a sugar snack or energy drink I'm just putting unwanted calories in my day and wasting my money. For my last break or snack of the day: I usually have nuts or something with a lot of protein in it to keep my full and happy. My last break is normally done at 4:00 so that's the last time I eat.

Teresa652

I also find that I do more walking on nights because I find the brisk walk or the long way to the lunch room helps to wake me up, and I can eat more.

idivadi

YES. I did the 12hr D/N rotation for years. Not an easy one for sure. That messed up my metabolism...I think. Now I work only night shifts. I work 4 / 12hour nights followed by 4/5 days off depending where I am in my rotation. Now my metabolism has no idea what do do with itself and no more do I.

carl1738

It doesn't matter so much when you eat. It's what you eat. Your body burns calories 24 hours a day. The reason that some people like to tell you not to eat after 8:00pm is because that's when most people are most likely to break out the Doritos or Cheez Doodles! As long as you are eating something healthy and trying to keep within your calorie limit for the day, it really doesn't matter what time you eat, especially for individuals working a 12 hour night shift!