How long should you do night shifts for?
As a night worker, you should not work more than an average of eight hours in each 24-hour period. This average is usually calculated over a 17-week period. This includes regular overtime, but not occasional overtime.
How Much Sleep Do Night Shift Workers Need? Most healthy adult night shift workers, still require the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep despite working non-traditional hours.
Most shift workers sleep one to four hours fewer than non-shift workers. It's important to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep every day. If you're a shift worker, you must make sleep a priority.
For ageing employees, night work reduces sleep quality and recovering from demanding shifts takes more time. Based on new research results, the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health recommends providing employees over 50 years of age with better opportunities to reduce night shifts and long hours.
Night shift work increases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It disrupts the body's circadian rhythms—the 24-hour internal “clock” that controls when you sleep and wake. Studies have shown that eating at night alters the body's metabolism.
If possible, try to take no more than four overnight shifts in a row. Avoid rotating shifts as much as possible. When leaving your shift in the morning wear sunglasses or dark glasses to avoid light exposure. Try to take a nap before you go to work, or on your break—if allowed.
Do not delay going to bed: The longer you delay going to bed, the more awake you are likely to become. Dedicate time to sleep: Try to set aside a block of 7–9 hours to dedicate to sleep after a night shift. Have something to eat and drink before you go to bed: Pangs of hunger or thirst may wake you up.
Before your first night shift, it's a good idea to try to sleep during the day so you are not awake for a full 24-hour period. Some people may find that staying up late the night before the first shift helps to get them into a routine.
...
Sleep schedules.
Normal sleep time for shift: | Evening Shift (5 pm - 1 am) | Night Shift (11 pm - 7 am) |
---|---|---|
Sleep time - Night 1 of New Shift | 8 am - 4 pm | 9 am - 5 pm |
In general, 8-hour shifts are preferable to 12-hour shifts. Circadian physiology suggests that morning shifts should begin no earlier than 8:00 am for the physiological best fit to circadian rhythmicity.
Do night shifts age you?
All three methods highlighted increased age acceleration per each year of overall or night-specific shift work, with the strongest association for ≥10 years of NS work.
Working through the night goes against our natural circadian rhythms, or our physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. Research has established “high confidence” that disturbing this biological timing causes numerous health issues for those who work the third shift over many years.
Night shifts pose health risks by disrupting the body's circadian system, and going against its natural sleep patterns. Without proper self-care, there's the potential of developing health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and weight gain.
Since humans are programmed to feel more tired and need sleep during the night, working during the day tends to be easier and more convenient for most people. So, if you enjoy sleeping at nighttime, the day shift is an ideal choice. After resting all night, you can wake up more energized to do your job.
The Effect of Night Shifts on Mental Health
Studies have shown that there is a correlation between night shift and mental health, with the risk of mental health issues such as depression and mood disorders increasing for those working during the night.
Our findings indicate that two days off are not sufficient for full recovery, and thus, at least three rest days, one sleeping day (12 hours) and two full days off-duty (48 hours), are needed.
The night shift can be challenging, and some might question if the benefits are worth it, and more importantly if they can manage it. But the short answer is yes. Many individuals can manage to work the night shift, and there is typically a financial incentive provided by the employer for the employee to do so.
Sleeping during the day and working at night increases your risk of obesity and diabetes. In the case of night-shift workers, these disorders are caused by an imbalance in hormone production. The real danger here is that even if you eat a healthy diet, the hormone imbalance can still lead to obesity and diabetes.
A small study found that those working the night shift burn fewer calories, about 50 calories less per day, compared to those working during normal business hours and getting their ZZZs at night.
- Pack your food and eat right. ...
- Get enough rest. ...
- Use your breaks wisely. ...
- Take smart supplements. ...
- Make friends at work. ...
- Plan for vacation. ...
- Adjust your regular days off.
Should I shower after night shift?
2. Have a Long Shower or Bath. You should be jumping in the shower/bath after a long shift on the ward regardless, but don't just view it as a way of cleaning yourself. You want to relax and take a few moments to reflect upon your day, think about what you've achieved and what you plan to do the following day.
Going onto nightshift
Then get a decent amount of sleep prior to starting nights: Method 1: Stay up really late (at least 3am – 6am) the night before (calling/Skyping mates in different timezones or a TV marathon can help) then sleep for the majority of the day before your first nightshift.
A study indicates that a 2.5-hour nap (7:30 to 10:00 p.m.) taken before a simulated night shift improved alertness during the shift, compared with no nap. Taking a 3-hour nap (2 to 5 p.m.) produced higher alertness during a subsequent night shift, compared with no nap.
Your body is naturally programmed to be awake during the day and asleep at night, so it can take time getting used to the new routine. A night shift may come with long periods of inactivity, and it can be difficult to remain alert and focused while your body is adjusting to the new schedule.
- Prepare Ahead of Time. According to the Sleep Foundation (1), night shift workers should adhere to a strict sleep schedule. ...
- Create the Ideal Sleep Environment. The best environment for sleep (4) is cool, comfortable and quiet. ...
- Use Caffeine Wisely. ...
- Be Patient with Yourself.
- Sleep During the Day. One of the biggest challenges to staying awake all night is getting enough sleep during the day. ...
- Don't Over-Caffeinate. ...
- Pack a Snack. ...
- Take a Power Nap. ...
- Take Advantage of Spare Time.
Wake-up time | Bedtime: 7.5 hours of sleep (5 cycles) | Bedtime: 9 hours of sleep (6 cycles) |
---|---|---|
4 a.m. | 8:15 p.m. | 6:45 p.m. |
4:15 a.m. | 8:30 p.m. | 7 p.m. |
4:30 a.m. | 8:45 p.m. | 7:15 p.m. |
4:45 a.m. | 9 p.m. | 7:30 p.m. |
For the most people, rotating forward through day, afternoon and night shift is better than backwards (night, afternoon then day). The frequency of rotation is also controversial. Some people advocate prolonged rotation, such as two to three weeks. Others advocate short rotations of two to three days.
As well, there are also studies saying that companies that impose their employees daily working hours are also less productive. In the end, scientists generally agree that the ideal daily working time is around 6 hours, and more concentrated in the morning.
The most common compressed work arrangement type is a 4/10 schedule, which means an employee works four 10-hour days (Monday through Thursday), with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off. You'll also hear this arrangement referred to as “a four-day workweek.”
Why do I feel tired after night shift?
Night workers can feel cold, shaky, nauseous, sleepy and drowsy at this time. This is a normal reaction as the body is programmed to be less active at this time. It can be difficult to stay awake especially if work demands are low. Eat and drink something warm (avoid caffeine) during this period and try to keep busy.
"Night shift workers not only work irregular hours but have the added challenges of irregular sleeping and eating patterns, making traditional weight loss plans hard to follow, Dr Yates says. "Our research shows that when a person routinely eats at irregular hours, they're more likely to gain weight.
Studies show young people are particularly susceptible to blue light affecting sleep. Luckily, our technology has adapted. A simple way to avoid both sleep disruption and eye strain is to turn on night mode on our iPhone or Android devices.”
Flexible Schedule
But for those who are willing to work a little differently, the night shift can offer a number of advantages. Most notably, it can provide more flexible hours. This gives you more time to do things during the day like pursue interests or take care of personal errands or appointments.
Over nine million Americans, or about 6% of all workers, work night shifts regularly, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. These workers are vulnerable to unique risks associated with night shifts, including sleepiness on the job, fatigue, as well as a variety of health issues.
The night shift gives you flexibility to reduce your cost of living. Work/life balance can get a little easier to maintain with a switch to the night shift.
Working for 12 hours straight is difficult. One of the most significant cons of 12-hour shifts is worker fatigue. Workers may have a difficult time remaining alert throughout their shift and working several long shifts in a row can disrupt sleep.
- Cluster shifts together. ...
- Eat nutritious meals. ...
- Stay hydrated. ...
- Prioritize sleep. ...
- Practice good sleep hygiene. ...
- Exercise. ...
- Watch your caffeine and sugar intake. ...
- Develop a routine.
Candidates who are willing to work night shifts show that they are flexible and can adjust easily. They also portray a positive attitude towards the company. While candidates who say no, show that they are honest and know where to draw the line between personal and professional life.
This biological clock depends on the body's exposure to light and temperature, which signal the brain to wake up or go to bed. A sudden change in this cycle can cause noticeable hair loss. While on average, a person may lose around 80-100 strands a day, working during nighttime can cause more hair fall than usual.
Is working 12-hour night shifts bad for you?
According to the National Sleep Foundation, there is a link between shift work and long working hours and several health issues . These include an increased risk of metabolic problems, heart disease, gastrointestinal difficulties, obesity, and certain cancers.
No matter your work pattern or domestic routine, try to keep your sleep pattern regular by dedicating 7-9 hours to sleep at the same time after each night shift. If you work rotating shift patterns, try to keep your sleep schedule the same each day as you work a series of night, evening, or day shifts.
It is important to try to ensure that you sleep well following the night shift, especially if you are on a long stretch of nights. It is advisable to go to sleep soon after returning home, otherwise external stimuli, such as sunlight, are likely to keep you awake for longer.
All three methods highlighted increased age acceleration per each year of overall or night-specific shift work, with the strongest association for ≥10 years of NS work.
Going onto nightshift
Then get a decent amount of sleep prior to starting nights: Method 1: Stay up really late (at least 3am – 6am) the night before (calling/Skyping mates in different timezones or a TV marathon can help) then sleep for the majority of the day before your first nightshift.
- Take a 30 minute nap * Before your shift begins and, if possible, try to get in a 10-20 minute nap during your break. ...
- Eat small portions throughout the shift. ...
- Limit your caffeine intake. ...
- Stay hydrated. ...
- Keep busy. ...
- Talk with your co-workers. ...
- Sleep well.
Energize with healthy snacks: Fuel your body with healthy options, such as hummus and fresh vegetables, low-fat yogurt or cheese, fresh fruit, nuts, tuna and whole-grain crackers. Rather than eating a big meal during your shift, consider eating small portions of healthy snacks to keep you energized as you work.
...
Sleep schedules.
Normal sleep time for shift: | Evening Shift (5 pm - 1 am) | Night Shift (11 pm - 7 am) |
---|---|---|
Sleep time - Night 1 of New Shift | 8 am - 4 pm | 9 am - 5 pm |
Night shift work disrupts the body's circadian rhythms, or 24-hour internal “clock” that controls sleep-wake cycles. It increases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
- Sleep During the Day. One of the biggest challenges to staying awake all night is getting enough sleep during the day. ...
- Don't Over-Caffeinate. ...
- Pack a Snack. ...
- Take a Power Nap. ...
- Take Advantage of Spare Time.
Is night shift easier than day?
Since humans are programmed to feel more tired and need sleep during the night, working during the day tends to be easier and more convenient for most people. So, if you enjoy sleeping at nighttime, the day shift is an ideal choice.
- Get a structured handover. Arafat Mulla, specialty trainee year 4 in respiratory medicine, North West deanery, says, “Be in control and get to work early. ...
- Get to know your team. ...
- Let yourself relax the day before. ...
- Use time off to rest. ...
- Focus on the present, not what might happen.