The effects of shift work

[nrlien]

Hey all,
New to the forum, and it looks very helpful. I am going to be applying to an NLO job with Exelon, which of course entails shift work. What has been the most challenging with you all regarding yourself, and any family you might have?
Thanks!

[grantime]

Shift work requires  understanding family.  They have to understand that sometimes you have to sleep and sometimes you can't be at sporting events or family gatherings.  But depending on your shift,  You may have a lot more days off than they Mon-Fri crowd.  I have alway liked having some off days during week so that I can take care of business. 

Biggest challenge for us has been day care issues when the kids were small.  Neither my wife nor I have conventional 8-5 jobs.  Most day care providers are really insistant that you come and get your child by a particular time.  Not always easy depending on your shift.    A good support network (family , friends) is needed

Some people seem to do well with shift work while others can't do it.  Some people just can not adjust to being awake all times of day.  Only one way to find out... and that is to try it. 

Good luck

[HydroDave63]

Shift work requires  understanding family.  They have to understand that sometimes you have to sleep and sometimes you can't be at sporting events or family gatherings. 

Or when the spouse wants you to do honeydo's the first day off after nights when you are still half-asleep and headachy, or kids insist on guitar practice because they have nothing better to do while you try to sleep, etc. It WILL age you faster than normal

What's more, since most people don't understand the biological importance of sleep, your need to sleep may not be respected—even within your own family. Your children may wake you and demand attention as they run in the door after school at 3 o'clock, or your husband may try to initiate sex on the one day all week you have to sleep in. Studies reveal that shift work actually increases the risk of divorce by 57 percent.

http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/shift-work-and-sleep/article54467.html

[B.PRESGROVE]

Yah I like the time off, but the side affects are groggy for a day after nights, getting used to nights after being on days for over a week or two, and trying to sleep during day.  Other than that its all what you make it.  I loved em, specially at night.  Get on a regular routine is very important.  Try to go to sleep at same time and eat at same times, and very important is diet!  Dont load up on fatty food at night cause your body wants to store that due to its natural cycles.  Protein, fruits, veggies, and also get into some kinda physical routine.

[Cathy]

I too love the time off with shift work BUT switching back and forth can be difficult and family support is important. My husband took one of our upstairs walk in closets and turned it into a "she cave". It has a twin bed, lamp and alarm clock. Most importantly, it has no windows and it is very quiet. I sleep there when I am on my night shift rotation and he doesn't have to tip toe around the house.

[DSO]

I too love the time off with shift work BUT switching back and forth can be difficult and family support is important. My husband took one of our upstairs walk in closets and turned it into a "she cave". It has a twin bed, lamp and alarm clock. Most importantly, it has no windows and it is very quiet. I sleep there when I am on my night shift rotation and he doesn't have to tip toe around the house.

I am the shift-worker--not my wife--but this "she cave" thing is an excellent idea. I think it will come in good use for about a week every month--if you know what I mean

[retired nuke]

I am the shift-worker--not my wife--but this "she cave" thing is an excellent idea. I think it will come in good use for about a week every month--if you know what I mean

Those kind of responses belong on the Goldmember boards. Feel free to join as a Goldmember and fire away.

[zwink]

Do you think shift work is as bad if the mom can stay home with kids, and the dad is the only one working?  I really need 8 hours of sleep  a day

[stownsend]

It WILL age you faster than normal

or your husband may try to initiate sex on the one day all week you have to sleep in.

I'm glad I don't have to worry about this!

[namlive]

Shift work makes you old. If it is a backward rotating shift, don't do it. I would stay up as long as I could after my last shift day and attempt to rotate into the next shift as soon as possible. Aluminum foil is good for darkening windows, but give you the "Early American Crack House" look. I also take melatonin to help me sleep during the day.

[Madcow43]

Do you think shift work is as bad if the mom can stay home with kids, and the dad is the only one working?  I really need 8 hours of sleep  a day

This is the situation I am in.  It works well as long as I remember to put in ear plugs so activities going on around the house don't wake me up.  I usually have no problem getting 8 hours of sleep when on mid shift, it's always days when I end up losing sleep.

[Dustball]

I too love the time off with shift work BUT switching back and forth can be difficult and family support is important. My husband took one of our upstairs walk in closets and turned it into a "she cave". It has a twin bed, lamp and alarm clock. Most importantly, it has no windows and it is very quiet. I sleep there when I am on my night shift rotation and he doesn't have to tip toe around the house.

A "she cave"?  We call them dungeons, time out closets, naughty room.....

You can come out of the closet now Cathy. 

[Dustball]

Shift work makes you old. If it is a backward rotating shift, don't do it. I would stay up as long as I could after my last shift day and attempt to rotate into the next shift as soon as possible. Aluminum foil is good for darkening windows, but give you the "Early American Crack House" look. I also take melatonin to help me sleep during the day.

What is a backward rotating shift?  Crap, I thought this shift work makes me about as backwards as I can get.  Don't try climbing down ladders fast at 4am.

[Dustball]

Do you think shift work is as bad if the mom can stay home with kids, and the dad is the only one working?  I really need 8 hours of sleep  a day

It works out just fine with momma home.
8 hours of sleep a day??   
Good luck with that one.

[MMM]

What is a backward rotating shift?  Crap, I thought this shift work makes me about as backwards as I can get.  Don't try climbing down ladders fast at 4am.

I think a backward rotating shift, assuming three shifts, goes from days (08-16) to mids (00-08) to swings (16-24), making you have to get ready for the shift before during your time off, as opposed to staying up an extra 8 hours in a forward rotating shift. I had to do that once on my first ship, it wasn't too bad, but was single and my roommate was on the same schedule. Also, they make blackout blinds which are great for keeping out sunlight.