Are you starting a job that is on a night schedule? Maybe you’re switching from a day shift to a night shift? The transition can be tough. We’ve put together a few helpful tips to help you move to a night shift schedule.
There are 4 things that you can do to help make the switch to nights easier:
- Make your switch early
- Make others aware
- Make sure you have dark blinds
- Make sure you can drive
These may seem like fairly simple tasks but it is essential that you identify what your obstacles will be in making the switch and help to diminish any foreseeable problems, so you can work your night shift successfully and have a comfortable sleep during the day.
Read on for additional information on each tip and how you can flawlessly adjust your sleep and work schedule to accommodate your new shift time.
Tips for Working the Night Shift
- Make your switch early – Don’t wait until the day of your first night shift to change your sleep schedule. Prepare in advance so that your body is not completely exhausted and confused when you start working nights.
- Make others aware – Changing your sleep schedule can be very difficult. Having the support of family/friends can help make it easier. Asking them to keep noise down during the day, avoid calling when you’re sleeping, etc, can help.
- Get dark blinds – This may seem like a silly tip but blocking out the sunlight will be your top priority when trying to sleep during the day. Dark blinds will help keep the light out and help you sleep easier. Get those blinds ready now!
- Make sure you can drive – If you are planning on driving home at the end of your shift you must make sure that you are okay to drive. This is especially important in the first weeks when you are making the transition in your sleep schedule. Stay alert.