How to Enhance Your Sleep Habits if You Work Late
By Brandi Goodman
A regular 9-5 schedule isn't right for everyone -- nor does it have to be. Three shift options exist at many places of business. You have the option of working early in the morning until midday, starting later in the day and working until nightfall, or opting for a third shift position that has you at your job from dusk until dawn. If the latter is what you've chosen then you may find yourself having trouble getting any rest. It can be tough to drift off to sleep in the daytime hours when the world is at its busiest. With some tips in mind you can enhance your sleep habits even if you work late.
Make Your Room Dark
Having to sleep during the day can be tricky when sunlight beams through your window. Make your room dark so you have a better chance of catching some Zzz's. You can apply blackout curtains to your windows to help. It's also best to wear an eye mask that really helps to block out any extra light.
Switch to Water
Many people resort to energy drinks, soda pop, and coffee when they work late. They may feel caffeine is the only way to keep their eyes open and their brain functioning. These drinks can actually have the opposite effect, especially as the hours go by. Switch to water instead for more efficient brain power. It's especially important to switch to water in the last few hours before your shift is over. Otherwise, the caffeine you've been consuming may make it difficult to drift off to sleep once you're home.
Maintain a Comfortable Temperature
Feeling too hot can also make it difficult to sleep. It's usually warmer during daytime hours than it is at night. You need to find a way to make your room comfortable for sleeping so you can rest easier. Having a fan in your room may be what you need. It also provides some white noise that can help to drown out sounds coming from elsewhere -- another way to help yourself sleep better.
Third shift workers may normally have a hard time sleeping. A few tweaks to your routine can make a big difference when it comes to getting better rest. Make sure you're doing all you can to enhance your sleep habits if you work late so you can show up to your job well-rested and ready to tackle tasks all night.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Anderson, S.C.