NIOSH Training for Nurses on Shift Work and Long Work Hours

Choose carefully where to live and work

Your commute is part of the time committed for work, so consider carefully where you work and live. Living a long distance from a job that requires long shifts or shift work may increase your chances for driving while drowsy.

Living closer can reduce the risk of accidents due to drowsy driving as well as the time burden of a long commute.

Also, if the job involves working nights and needing to sleep during the day, consider the daytime noise level of your home; a noisy environment will likely interrupt your daytime sleep.

Finding a better home situation may be a challenge during a down economy and for families with two or more members who work.