A great place to start Disorder information source Rated and Reviewed Sleep Links Entrance to all monitored Sleep Forums Search all of Sleepnet.com


Shift Work
Forum Posting


Archived Shift Work Forum2 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Shift Work Forum Homepage.
[Sleepnet.com's Homepage] [Sleep Disorders] [Sleep Links] [Search]

night shift makes me sleep my life away!

Posted by Auto Worker on February 13, 2002 at 06:12:16:

Help! I've been on the night shift (10pm-6:30am, Sun-Thurs. and sometimes Fri.) for 7 yrs. I am a 34 yr. old female and my husband works the same shift (a must!-I don't see how people can stay happy working separate shifts!). Recently, I have gotten to where I want to sleep all the time! I've always had a problem sleeping during the day, like most shift workers. But now it seems worse. I used to sleep anywhere from 4 to 6 hours a day, and felt okay. (Sometimes I would have to take over-the-counter meds to boost my metabolism.) Now, I've gotten into a routine. I go to bed around 11am. I do not get up until 8:30! I do wake up several times during this period, though. When the clock goes off, I DO NOT want to get up. I feel as though I could sleep forever. I have even taken nights off just so I could stay home and sleep! It's bad when you sleep over 8 hrs. during the day, then sleep 8 more at night (but it sure felt good!). When Friday rolls around, if I do not have to work, I "try" to take a 4 hr. nap so I can sleep at night and try to be like a "normal" person. (Sometimes I just sleep all day and keep a regular schedule all weekend.) Lately, I've been sleeping 12 hrs. a day or more on the weekends. I feel drained when I get too much sleep, and drained when I don't. Does anybody have any suggestions? You would think that after 7 yrs., I would be used to the graveyard shift. I don't think it was ever meant for anyone to work nights, but you've gotta do what you've gotta do. I see people at work sleeping during their breaks and lunch, and some even falling asleep while working! Finding another job is not an alternative. I could not find a job with great pay and excellent benefits like mine without a degree. I know I've probably written to much here, but I know there are others out there going through the same thing. It's not fun. 90% of my co-workers are extremely unhappy. Does anyone out there have any advice? Thanks!

Follow Ups:


Archived Shift Work Forum2 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Shift Work Forum Homepage.
  • IMPORTANT : Information not intended as medical advice. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder you should seek care from a qualified professional. Read Terms of Use.
  • The Sleep Forums are not to be used for commercial purposes.
  • Commercial products and services are not endorsed by Sleepnet.com.
  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


Copyright ©1995-2005 Sleepnet.com., All rights reserved