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Working irregular hours

Thatdad

Thatdad

Android Expert
So I just got hired on for a 9 pm to 5 am job today. I start in 3 days.

So this question is to all the AF members who work weird hours like that.. How am I suppose to sleep?

How do I deal with the sudden sleep schedule change? :sly:
 
For most humans, we have an amazing ability. It's the ability to adapt. There are numerous extreme examples. Depending on the person, three days will help in the shift. Start a schedule shift now.

Last time I had a job like that, days prior I would stay up for that shift. Then go to bed. Sure it meant a much longer day for the first time, but it certainly helped me prepare for the job.
 
Staying up longer during the wee hours now would give your body clock more time to adjust. It can be tiring though. But you'll get used to it. Just give it some time.
 
To help you sleep:

It can be difficult falling asleep in a light room during the day so get something to completely block light from coming in your bedroom window. Thick dark curtains or blankets work good.
 
kate said:
To help you sleep:

It can be difficult falling asleep in a light room during the day so get something to completely block light from coming in your bedroom window. Thick dark curtains or blankets work good.
Click to expand...

I'm most likely going to purchase some of those UV black out curtains.

It could help me sleep, and if we ever have bombings like Britain did, i'd have some awesome curtains to block the light. :p

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackout_(wartime)

Jk, but I'm definitely getting those curtains. :) :thumbup:
 
I've had a few head injuries so take that into account. I work 10 pm until 2 pm for five days straight. I'm not sure about most people but my quality of sleep during the day is way better than the night. 8-10 hours at night or 3-6 hours during the day. After my two days off I normally need some help getting to sleep that first day and use an otc sleeping pill but after that I'm good for the week.

Black out curtains are expensive. If you can do it, some places won't allow it, cover your bedroom windows with aluminium foil. It will block out most of the light.
 
TJGoSurf said:
I've had a few head injuries so take that into account. I work 10 pm until 2 pm for five days straight. I'm not sure about most people but my quality of sleep during the day is way better than the night. 8-10 hours at night or 3-6 hours during the day. After my two days off I normally need some help getting to sleep that first day and use an otc sleeping pill but after that I'm good for the week.

Black out curtains are expensive. If you can do it, some places won't allow it, cover your bedroom windows with aluminium foil. It will block out most of the light.
Click to expand...

They allow them where I live I think.. If not what they don't know.. :p

I know where to get curtains that block 97% of UV and light for about $30.
 
I worked those hours for a short time at a bakery. It sucked big time, IMO.
People were threatening to quit (I didn't have that luxury) so they changed it to 3pm - 11pm which was actually pretty nice. Fortunately I was living alone so didn't have to juggle spending time with a partner.
My best advice is (besides not taking the job ;)) your body will get used to going to sleep as the sun comes up so I wouldn't worry about curtains or anything.
 
I woke up at 7 am today and since I found out about these hours today I have decided to stay up until at least 6 or 7. Only 4 hours and 30 minutes to go. :thumbup:
 
For me the worst part of the two parts I hated were going from 2am to 3am went so slow, and the sun on the drive home would wake me up. I would finish my shift and be tired at the end of it, and then the bright sun light on the way home would reset my clock and I would be wide awake when I got to the house.
 
I'm currently working 7pm-7am three days a week, but past couple of months 4 or 5 days a week, we're short two workers. I always tell people I'm like Dracula, up all night and sleep all day!

I got into the computer field 20 years ago and all my jobs have either been 2nd or 3rd shift. There have been times I could have transferred to the day shift, but now I really prefer nights, less people & bosses around. A couple of jobs I've even worked my shift alone!

As far as sleeping, I guess i'm used to it and it doesn't bother me much anymore. On my days off, I do tend to wake up like normal people. One good thing working nights, I can take naps while at work if need be!!!
 
saptech said:
I'm currently working 7pm-7am three days a week, but past couple of months 4 or 5 days a week, we're short two workers. I always tell people I'm like Dracula, up all night and sleep all day!

I got into the computer field 20 years ago and all my jobs have either been 2nd or 3rd shift. There have been times I could have transferred to the day shift, but now I really prefer nights, less people & bosses around. A couple of jobs I've even worked my shift alone!

As far as sleeping, I guess i'm used to it and it doesn't bother me much anymore. On my days off, I do tend to wake up like normal people. One good thing working nights, I can take naps while at work if need be!!!
Click to expand...

It sucks for me because I am kind of forced into working fast food until somewhere else starts hiring. (college town, only places hiring are fast food and night shifts)

I decided on Taco Bell since they're willing to give me health insurance, dental, and even scholarships for college.

Only other places were dumb places to work with no benefits at all.

Crossing my fingers on ATT or Verizon calling me for an interview since I have worked at Radioshack and know how it all works.
 
Hey, health insurance is a HUGE benefit for folks. Slightly surprised Taco Bell is offering it. Are you working as a shift manager?
 
Either way, it's great. I lost mine when I left my last job as a manager and now am on my wife's plan. Enjoy it while you can.
 
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