Without preparation, switching to an overnight position can be very hard for healthcare professionals. The sudden shift can take a toll on both your body and psyche, potentially leading to Shift Work Disorder (SWD), a condition that increases your risk of various health issues for those working overnight. This along with the added stress and change on your body makes it crucial to have a plan in place for tackling this transition. Whether it seems like a night owls dream or a daunting change in lifestyle, you should always have a plan in place to make this switch easier. Here we are going to give you five exciting tips and tricks to tackle overnight shifts.

Create a Routine

This is probably the most important step when making this change. Getting a planner and writing down when your day-to-day plan will help create a routine to stick with. Make sure to carve out time for yourself to relax and get some “me time” in when needed as well. Working night is all about having a routine and having it down, so when you find the routine that works for you, stick with it.

Finding Sleep

Everyone knows how important sleep is, there is no questioning that, but this is especially true in the healthcare world. You need to have the right amount of sleep so you can provide the best care to your patients, yourself, and your family. When you are about to transition, you need to take time in order to plan out when you will get your much needed rest, and everyone is different, so you need to research what approach works best for you and your needs. You also need to be sure that you don’t do a sudden change in your sleeping all at once as that can disrupt your body appetite, and energy.

Restful Sleep

A quality nights sleep is also super important when making the change to nightshift. There are many things that you can do to be sure the rest you do get is restful. Small changes that you can do is invest in a good pair of blackout curtains for the bedroom, put your phone on the do not disturb mode, by a white noise machine, and be sure the people in your life know that your sleeping schedule is changing so they are aware of it as well. Uninterrupted sleep is needed and taking these small steps will make huge improvements in your sleeping.

Hydration

Staying hydrated during a long night shift keeps you alert and energized. Aim for 8 glasses a day, both at work and throughout the day. Some tips can help you drink more water to combat night shift fatigue. Carry water, set timers, use a straw.

Think Positive

A positive attitude can go a long way and can greatly improve your time working night shifts. There are many benefits that working night shifts provides that you cannot get working the day shift. For example, getting more family time, running errands, or just being able to relax during the day. Always have a positive attitude and it will take you far.

EmpowerCare has the team in place to help you with the change. We are here to help you with any transition needed to get you into the position you’ve been wanting. We would love to help you make this overnight shift change easy and harmless. Call us to find a role that fits your needs with a team that will make it happen for you.