Tackling night shifts can be tough! And for nurses, it is not just about staying awake but staying alert for the sake of their patients. nurses or other healthcare workers, working night shifts need to be focused, sharp, and energized. Here in this blog, we will discuss how to stay awake during night shift!
What are night shifts?
Night shifts are work hours, typically from late night to early morning. Night shifts are important so a facility can run for 24 hours and provide services to the people, especially in hospitals where patients need 24-hour assistance.
Night shifts are important in healthcare facilities, to make sure that patients are getting quality care around the clock without any disruption. Here are some tips and tricks on how to stay awake at night to provide the best patient care.
Rest to be your best
Power naps are important before the night shifts to make sure that nurses are awake and alert. Taking a 20 to 30-minute power nap before the night shift can be beneficial as it keeps you focused and reduces fatigue. Before starting the night shift make sure to stay awake at late night as much as possible and then sleep in the daytime a few days before starting your night shift. This will help your body and brain adjust to the hectic night schedule ahead of time.
Tip:
- Keep your room dark in the daytime, this will help you sleep.
- Keep your work area bright at night-time with lamps or lights.
Exercise
Another tip for staying awake during night shifts is quick exercises and physical activity to boost your energy. Once you wake up make sure to do a quick exercise before starting the night shift. Moreover, if you are feeling sleepy on the night shift you can do quick stretching and simple exercise. This will help increase your energy levels and enhance your alertness so you can provide quality care for your patients.
Benefits of physical activity:
- Increased blood flow
- Endorphin release
- Muscle activation
Tips to do workplace exercises:
- Shoulder rolls
- Seated leg shifts
- Neck stretches
Eating healthy and staying hydrated
Another tip for how to stay up overnight shift is to eat healthily. Maintaining diet balance is crucial for night shifts as it can boost energy levels. Avoid greasy food that might make you feel sleepy and less energetic. Make sure that your food has the right nutrients to keep you healthy and active so that you can provide quality patient care at night. Healthy snacking is another way to keep you self-active during night shifts.
Because nurse’s schedules are so hectic nurses forget to take meals or water therefore it is important to plan meals, stay hydrated, and eat in small portions.
Healthy snacks:
- Nuts and seeds.
- Fresh fruits.
- Healthy crackers and protein bars.
Keep yourself busy
It is possible that some nights are quieter than usual, and nurses might drift into fatigue. Therefore, it is important to keep yourself busy to survive the night shift. Listening to podcasts, talking to friends, or playing board games can help you stay awake.it is important to keep your mind busy with other activities so that you do not feel sleepy or tired.
Tips:
- Continue education to refresh knowledge
- Talking to friends and family members
- Reviewing clinical procedures
- Podcasts on educational content
Take regular breaks
Taking 10-minute small breaks after each shift is another tip on how to stay awake overnight. Small breaks will help keep your mind fresh. Especially if you have a desk job and sit for longer periods it is important to stretch a little and go out on small walks. In this way, you will feel refreshed, which is important for working late at night shifts. Small breaks will help you recharge and focus on your work with more clarity.
Tips:
- Brief walks
- Stretching exercises
- Breathing exercises
- Mini workouts and yoga poses
- Limit screen time
Pros and Cons of night shift duties
Night shifts are important for the facility to run 24 hours a day, especially in healthcare facilities where the patient needs 24-hour service. Here we will now discuss the pros and cons of night shifts.
Pros:
- Here are some advantages of night shifts.
- Higher pay
- Quieter environment
- Less commute or less traffic
- Fewer distractions
Cons:
Disadvantages of night shifts include the following:
- Work-life imbalance
- Disrupt sleep schedule
- Few nursing staff
What can I take to stay awake on the night shift?
Nurses not only need to stay awake during night shifts, but they also must always stay active and alert for the sake of their patients. things you can consider taking to stay awake at night shifts are:
- Small doses of caffeine may be a cup or 2 before starting a shift.
- Drinking water like flavored water.
- Small frequent healthy snacking.
- Take small breaks.
- Herbal teas.
How long should you sleep before a night shift?
When working at night shift it is important to focus on a sleep schedule. Ideally, a person should take 7-9 hours of sleep before a night shift so that they do not feel exhausted during the shift and can focus on their patients and their needs.
Does drinking water help you stay awake?
Yes! Drinking water not only helps you stay awake but also hydrated so you can be active and fresh. Drinking water helps your circulatory system and increases your alertness.
Conclusion
Night shifts can be hard! However, healthcare facilities are required to provide quality patient care even at night. In this blog, we have provided you with tips and tricks on how to stay awake during night shift. It is important for nurses not only to be awake but also to stay alert for any emergencies. If you are a travel nurse and want to work the night shift, join Skill Gigs now and find the job that best matches your needs!
