Having a “normal sleep” schedule is not in the night shift nurse’s routine. Yep, that’s right. Night shift nurses don’t have the privilege of the common sleep others enjoy.

We collate ideas on how you can have those precious sleep after your shift nurses. Read on.

1. Try to keep the same regular sleep schedule on your workdays and rest days. The routine will help your body stay awake when needed and sleep when you should.
2. Go to bed when you’re really sleepy. This way, you’ll easily fall asleep.
3. Don’t sleep when you’re too full from a meal or hungry. If hungry, drink a glass of milk or have a light snack instead.
4. Splurge on a good mattress. It’s more peaceful to sleep on a comfy bed.
5. Don’t think of anything that will worry you too much when you’re about to sleep. You should be relaxed before jumping on to bed.
6. Remember, too much light signals your body to wake up. And less light or dark room will tell your body to sleep.
7. Since sleeping is a precious moment, you can inform others by placing a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door so they won’t bother you and interrupt your rest.
8. At least 8 hours of sleep a day is needed for the body to be recharged. Sleep lavishly on your days off to make up with loss ones during your shifts.
9. Use a sleeping mask and earplugs or ear phones to ensure a continuous peaceful sleep.
10. Make sleeping one of your health priorities, just like diet and exercise.

Once a nurse has fully recharged with enough sleep, he or she can then perform well on the next shift schedule assigned.