A Guide To Sleeping and Shift Work

• We are programmed by our internal body clocks to sleep when dusk sets in and rise up at dawn.
• It may be difficult for you to get enough quality sleep that you require if you are a shift-worker. This means you have to sleep during the day.
• Staying up all night long causes fatigue. Drowsiness can happen when you are fatigued thereby putting you at risk of having an accident when you are driving home.
• Studies have shown that the impairment of drivers when they are asleep and when they’ve consumed alcohol is almost similar.

Enough daytime sleep is necessary for you to deal with excessive fatigue:

• Bright light and sunlight need to be avoided before heading to bed. Your room needs to be as dark as possible. Alternatively, you can wear an eye mask. Our brains are strongly triggered by light thereby making it hard for us to sleep.
• Take care of outside sounds. Noise from barking dogs, construction work, vehicles, etc. can easily disrupt your sleep. Make sure your phone is in silent mode. Also, remember to use a white noise machine or earplugs. 
• Your mattress should be comfortable and supportive, take a look at Walmart mattress reviews.
• Your family and friends need to be informed that you require good daytime sleep after you are done with your night shifts.
• Communication needs to be relayed on the “quiet hours” for you to get enough quality sleep.
• Loud activities while in the house need to be avoided. Headphones should be worn by family members who are watching TV or listening to music.
• Young children need to be far away from your bedroom. Find a sitter or family member to play with them or take them out for you to sleep.
• A “Do Not Disturb” sign on your bedroom and house doors can drive away any disturbances.