SIXSLUG

Anybody have any creative ideas to help me survive my first ever graveyard shifts??

I'll be running a loader for the mill, but will have about 45 minutes downtime between each refilling of the hoppers.

Can't do any energy drinks but will have access to plenty of coffee and a radio in the cab!

Thanks, Kurt

cbrahs

stay up for 24 hours and go to bed about 1 hour after what your shift would end. I worked graves/mids for years in the military and after that, driving truck and after 11 years of being out I still can't get used to days. It will take you a couple weeks to adjust but after you do (at least for me), I like it better than days

SIXSLUG

Thanks! Problem is I'll only have this shift one week a month with the rest being days.

Tonights my first all nighter 8pm-6am so we'll see how she goes!

chaikwa

Take a wind up timer with you and sleep between filling the hoppers.

I pulled a couple of mid shifts when I was cruisering, and no matter what was going on, come 4AM I had all I could do to stay awake. If it was a dead night it was all over!

Colo_River_Ram

Man that sucks.. about the time you get used to one thing they change it on you.

Here's a tip from some night crew people I know of:

When taking a "Safety Nap" put a partial cup of warm coffee or cold water between your legs. about 15 minutes or so into the nap you will shift your legs and spill the drink. Which in turn wakes you up..

If the loader does not have a radio take a portable one and listen to talk radio (preferably a topic you disagree with) that will keep you going

If you have a Blackberry maybe you can finds some insomniacs on DTR..

Hope this helps!

ramlovingvet

I been on them for 8+ months and have never got used to it..

capt.Ron

• Cover your windows with anything you can find to make it completely dark in the bedroom.
• Turn on a box fan in the bedroom, the white noise from the fan will drowned out other noises. The fan doesn't need to be on you, just on.
• Eat little something before you lay down, you don't want hunger to wake you up.
• Take 2 Benadryl or 2 tylenol PM about 45 min.s before you intend to lay down.
• If you have showers at work take one there before you come home. This way you don't get yourself woke up right when you're ready for bed. AND.........................................
• A little romp right before I go to sleep always puts me right out!!!

chaikwa

A little romp? You mean you go run thru the field or something?

madhat

No, just the bushes...


Moving around always helps me stay awake... and discipline...

chaikwa

BAD Marine! No coloring book for you tonite!

Bark

Even I got that one.

If they allow safety naps it can really help esp after about 0200. I did years of rotating nights/days. Having a dark, quite place to sleep at home is key. Those expensive energy drinks, dispite their claims, are just caffeine and sugar so save your money.

12valve@heart

Might try an audiobook on an iPod or similar to help you focus and stay awake in the late hours.

madhat

Love it!

ofcmarc

I have a similar rotation.

I usually power through the first night with only a 1-2hr nap if possible just before the shift starts. By the time I get home the next morning I'm ready to sleep all day and the rest of the week isn't a problem.

Like the others have said, prepare your sleeping room to get some good sleep during the day. Blackout curtains, white noise generator, etc.......

Don't let the cab of the loader get too hot. Keeping cool helps me stay awake easier.

As for energy drinks, coffee work pretty good, I love Mt. Dew and I'll even drink some of those caffeine and sugar ones too. At the very least, if you drink enough you'll have the urge to go that should keep you awake.......

Totallyrad

Peanuts, keep them in the cab for a snack, but stay away from chocolate. And stay away from here during the day or you'll never get any rest.