First Year RN: Surviving Night Shift
Sleep, food, social life, health effects of night shift.
Night shift is a different physiologic challenge. Specific strategies work.
Sleep
Blackout curtains. White noise. Same sleep window even on days off (for stretches). Don't try to flip to days unless you have 3+ days off.
Food
Pre-pack meals. Avoid heavy meals 3am. Caffeine timing, last cup no later than 2-3am.
Health
Night shift associated with metabolic changes, mental health risks. Annual check-ups. Vitamin D supplementation (less sun).
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Social life
Becomes hard. Make plans for off days. Friends understand or they don't.