While shift work always has its unique brand of life stress, it can be even more difficult in the summer when longer days and the lure of summer fun make sleep less of a priority. While you can survive with less sleep for a day or two, the effect of going without sleep for long periods of time can wear you down.
It is not always easy getting quality sleep when you do shift work since the body has its own natural clock. This means we want to be active when it's light and rest when it's dark. As a shift worker this is nearly impossible to do, so adjustments need to be made. Following are some tips for shift workers to try to help them cope better with the longer, lighter days of summer.
Use blackout or room darkening shades. The darker the room the better.
Keep the room as cool as possible; again the colder the better.
Wear a sleep mask - this guarantees light out.
Use earplugs or headphones to block out all sounds.
Use fans for both cooling and blocking out sounds.
Try a radio or t.v. set between channels to create a "shhh" sound.
Put signs up on your door advising visitors not to ring the door bell.
Try to keep a regular schedule, getting up early and going to bed at the same time.
Shift work has its own set of obstacles for both the worker and their families. Talk about the importance of respecting the shift workers schedule. It is important that your friends and family know you are wake when they are sleeping and you may often need to sleep when they are awake. While shift work requires planning, it is not impossible to work around, and can be rewarding. The key is to take control of scheduling you shift work life, and not let it take control of you.
For Further Information:
Family Service Inc. (605)336-1974 or 800-589-1974 fsisd@msn.com