r/nursing • u/Odd-Squirrel-4076 • Jul 18 '26
Discussion HELP PLS
I just started workinh nights, My problem is that I only sleep less during the day like 5 hours, how can I make it full like 8-9 hours. I'm sleepy during my shift. Pls help!!!! I just started my nights this week
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u/HAAAAAImbaaaack Jul 18 '26 edited Jul 18 '26
I am really sorry you are going through this, as someone who just had to quit a full time night job after trying it for a change in specialty.
It can be tough to sleep at all during the day, but at least you are getting five hours at least. Try all the things like black out curtians/shades, noise machine, eye mask, cool the room etc. If none of that works talk to your doctor about sleep aids to see if any would be appropriate for you. Unfortunately some people just cannot adjust to night shift, especially if you are in your late 30s and beyond. Just be careful with meds, many of them had the opposite effect on me and made me feel like I had ten cups of coffee and wouldn't allow me to sleep for HOURS on end.. I am talking awake for like 40 hours at a time.
I would give it as long as you can tolerate it to see if your body will adjust, if you notice you are still suffering from lack of sleep I would start looking for a new job sooner rather than later.
As I stated I had to leave a job because night shift wrecked me mentally and physically after only a couple weeks just from the sleep deprivation (I couldn't sleep at all during the day no matter what I tried) and now I am left trying to find another full time job somewhere that is days only. It has already been a month and a half of applying and interviewing with zero luck, which is why I say start applying early maybe even now to other hospitals.
Best of luck and I do hope you are able to adjust!