Overnight Shifts

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?

Replies

  • SWellz
    SWellz Posts: 62 Member
    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
    cate320 Posts: 130 Member
    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
    hekla90 Posts: 595 Member
    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
    wendhall Posts: 37 Member
    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
    lizzyclatworthy Posts: 296 Member
    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.