Okay, I realize working graveyard shift (1030 pm -630 am) is not a medical obstacle, but it is an obstacle in itself, so I decided to post this here. I work on the shift for a police/fire department as a 9-1-1 operator/dispatcher. Not only do I have the stress from the job, but I have the stress of not having a normal schedule or a "normal life". My problem is that I never know when to eat or workout. I'm not getting the correct amount of sleep during the day because everyone else around me, hubby, son, and neighbors all have a "normal life".
I get home and immediately fall asleep but am always awake by 11 or noon. Sometimes I'm hungry at this time and can eat but most of the times I don't eat until dinner time (normal 6 or 630 pm). I don't eat while I'm at work or if I do, its something very little because my stomach can't handle eating a lunch type meal that late, and then I don't usually eat anything when I get home because I'm too tired.
I try to walk in the morning when I get off ( I go to a high school track) but most of the time I don't go because I'm too tired from getting too little sleep the day before. I know some of my problem is I need to get off my lazy duff when I wake up and do a video or treadmill or something but the couch and books call my name (literally, I can hear them calling )
If anyone else works this shift, or has SO that work like this, how do you/they handle their time? Thanks for your help/suggestions
Pam