Working NIGHT SHIFT is throwing me off...

[HoustonMom]

Hi Ladies,

My hope is that someone can relate to this thread and help me balance working NIGHT SHIFT and staying consistent with my workouts. I currently work as a nurse, three days a week from 7pm to 7am. When I get home in the morning after my shift I am drained. I lightly sleep for about four to five hours (lightly b/c I have a 2 year old at home) and then I'm up again prepping for another shift in the NICU.

I stay on top of my workouts when I'm off for a stretch of days however after working I'm drained. Any suggestions? Maybe I should suck it up and workout before I sleep or before I prep for work.

Thanks for your help!

De'Chelle

 

[gillianorr]

I have a question before I offer a suggestion...it sounds as if at least some of the work days are consecutive, but is that not always the case? Just trying to get a feel for your week to space out those much needed recovery days as well as keeping you sane! Wow...a toddler as well!! Good for you for remembering what exercise is at all!!

I will check the forum after I get back from work this afternoon!

 

[ellesan]

Hi De'Chelle! I work the same shift and understand...except the toddler part That would make things more difficult! Someone else just asked this last week, here's the thread:
http://cathe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=279570&highlight=night+shift

and I did a post about this on my blog:
http://maintainmyweight.blogspot.com/2010/04/on-night-shift.html

Hope you find some helpful info!

 

[HoustonMom]

Gillian: You are right! I do typically work 3 consecutive days in a row and then I'm off for a stretch (3 to 6 days) and then it's back to work. Today was a good day! It's my last night of three so I woke up at about 3pm did a HITT workout and prepared for work. It's truly draining! When Cathe posts the December rotation I will make every attempt to stick to it precisely however the days I work will be a challenge! FOOD is also a huge problem when I work nights. I don't consume enough calories but it's almost out of my control due to my work. I typically do not have a meal at night because I'm saving lives. Of course when I go home I rest so meal consumption is also a big deal. Thanks for your willingness to help

Sandra: Thanks for the link! I'm about to check it out right now!!!

Thanks again ladies!