NIOSH Training for Nurses on Shift Work and Long Work Hours

Planning Bedtime

Go to bed in time to get enough sleep

If you find yourself staying up too late and not getting enough sleep before the alarm goes off, you’ll need to consider what prevented you from retiring earlier.

• Weigh the value of the activity against getting enough sleep. If this is a one-time event, then it may not be a problem, but if you chronically go to bed late and miss sleep you are at risk for acute injuries and accidents, as well as long-term health problems.
• Follow a schedule that allows a reasonable bedtime and stick to it.
• If you are not sleepy at the time that you have to go to bed to get adequate sleep, see the previous suggestions about light manipulation.