middle of the night

blakgarnet

Hi everyone...

So I'm a doctor and frequently on call. Tonight's the second time I've been call in in the middle of the night, and I have the wrost feeling in my stomach. I had it last time too. It's almost a nausea feeling and last time I had some grahram crackers and that made me feel better, but I hate to just have to eat in the middle of the night if I have to go into work - especially when I'm not really focused on food and have more limited options since I don't have my thoughtfully packed lunch. When I wake up in the mornings I don't feel like this at all.

any thoughts appreciated.

maurierose

I'm no expert, but here are my thoughts.... Being a mama with odd sleep interruptions, I can tell you if you're up at a wierd hour in the middle of the night, tired, and moving when your body wants to be asleep, sometimes what helps the most is a snack of something healthy. You're moving and expending energy when your body would normally be sleeping. Sounds like with your job, it's especially important to be alert and non-nauseous

I don't see anything wrong with eating something at those odd times.

Keep some string cheese, drinkable yogurt, even those $0.99 lunchables (think they have 6 crackers, slices of lean turkey, and cheddar cheese and a treat in them) in the door or top shelf of your fridge - they'll be quick to grab on your way out the door, no prep required. You can eat them on the way....

You might also want to keep a few protein bars in your purse - if you're like me and a bit groggy upon quick wake-ups, you may forget your well-thought-out planned snacks in the fridge. :laugh:

:flowerforyou:

BrendaLee

I'd say have yourself a snack, and don't worry about it. You'll need the energy, as you're burning calories you wouldn't be burning if you were asleep. I'm sure at some point you'll catch up on that sleep, and won't be eating at that time...so it will all balance out.

stormieweather

How about making up several ziploc baggies of healthy snacks to store in your fridge? Then when you get called, you can just grab and go. Maybe include some celery sticks, string cheese, almonds, a handful of grapes.

I make these up for me and my guy every week after I do the marketing, we grab one each for our work snacks, along with our lunch. That way we aren't tempted by the snack machines or other junk out there.

mehapp

I'm no expert, but here are my thoughts.... Being a mama with odd sleep interruptions, I can tell you if you're up at a wierd hour in the middle of the night, tired, and moving when your body wants to be asleep, sometimes what helps the most is a snack of something healthy. You're moving and expending energy when your body would normally be sleeping. Sounds like with your job, it's especially important to be alert and non-nauseous

I don't see anything wrong with eating something at those odd times.

Keep some string cheese, drinkable yogurt, even those $0.99 lunchables (think they have 6 crackers, slices of lean turkey, and cheddar cheese and a treat in them) in the door or top shelf of your fridge - they'll be quick to grab on your way out the door, no prep required. You can eat them on the way....

You might also want to keep a few protein bars in your purse - if you're like me and a bit groggy upon quick wake-ups, you may forget your well-thought-out planned snacks in the fridge. :laugh:

:flowerforyou:

I agree with everything in this post. You can afford the calories, so feel free to eat something. You probably felt better after the graham crackers because you were able to raise you blood sugar just enough. I love the suggestion of the protein bar - just enough glucose to give you the edge, and the protein to sustain. Keep them in your purse, etc...

If you're exercising more, you may initially need a little more sleep. Maybe on the nights you're on call you can turn in a little earlier? or squeeze a nap in?

Good Luck.
:flowerforyou:

blakgarnet

thanks for all the great responses. I will definitely get some snacks together - I had a good stock pile for lunches, but may need something a little more "complete" for these situations as it frequently eats up 2-3 hours of my night. I do try to catch up on sleep after nights on call, but sometimes it just waits until the weekend, and every night on call is different. I appreciate all the advice!!!