NIOSH Training for Nurses on Shift Work and Long Work Hours

Planning Suggestions

• Consider the special challenges for your time and energy due to your work schedule and develop realistic plans that do not sacrifice sleep time.
• If possible, consider your sleep schedule when timing conversations about difficult or emotional issues. Prompting high emotions before you need to go to sleep will likely lead to sleep disturbances. It would be better to find other times for these types of talks.
• Plan ahead for activities.
• Be flexible in juggling activities and demands. For example if your tradition is to serve a big holiday meal for your family, consider a carry-out holiday meal from a restaurant or grocery store rather than cooking the whole meal yourself. Think of ways to do things a little differently so you can save your energy and time.
• Be open to social activities during different times of the day. Consider times that are a better fit with your work and sleep schedule.