NIOSH Training for Nurses on Shift Work and Long Work Hours

Day Shift Challenges

Nurses working the day shift are not fighting their circadian clock as much as night shift workers. However, there are still several challenges.

• Early start times and long commutes may require you to get up very early, possibly before your circadian rhythms begin alerting you, so you may have difficulty waking up.
• You may also be more vulnerable to safety risks due to drowsy driving.
• You may have a dip in your alertness and be sleepy for an hour or two in the afternoon.
• It is tempting to stay up late in the evening and skimp on sleep, even when you have to get up early to go to work.