[dotti105]

I am a RN, planning to retire during Sept. I am using up my vacation for extended time off her in TV, as I work in San Jose, Ca. I am basically here a week and in Ca a week.

I am currently working PM shift (3p-11p) But I worked night shift (7p-7a) for over 15 years. As a result my circadian rhythms are totally screwed up. Not to mention I do a 3 time zone hop once a week.

I have taken my "sleepers" and tried to unwind and write down all the thoughts roaming around in my head, as suggested. But here it is after 0400 am and I am not going to sleep. Tomorrow will be ugly. With 2 grandsons here to visit and lots of fun things to do.

Anyone out there who has dealt with this? How did you survive? How did you manage to get over it and not be nocturnal? Please tell me there is hope!!

My hubby is so tired of waking up to find me out of bed and reading or arranging my Iphotos or what ever busy work I am doing when I can't sleep.

I want to be up early and "living large" here in TV. There is so much I want to do and sleeping the day away is not going to cut it!

Help!!

[Blessed2BNTV]

Dotti great question. For all of us on countdown mode would love to hear from others who made the transition from work to......nirvana in TV.

My guess would be once you move your body will make the transition.

[redwitch]

It took me over a year to adjust to Florida time from California time. Have been here almost ten years now and not convinced I've totally adjusted. So glad I function well on five hours' sleep. Naps help a lot!

Things I did in my first year was to force myself to stay in bed at night. Biofeedback and some old Yoga tricks helped. I didn't necessarily fall asleep until four or five in the morning but at least my muscles got to rest even if my mind didn't. I put myself on a strict routine re eating. If I didn't eat within a set period of time (convincing my body this was daytime), I skipped that meal entirely. No snacks, nada, zilch until next mealtime. Lots of exercise during the day so that I'd be tired enough at night to just collapse.

I still have bouts of severe insomnia but not like my first three years here. Some of it is normal to me but some was most definitely the time difference. I still rarely sleep more than four hours a night and take a daily nap. Has worked well for me so far.

It takes effort to change your body's habits but it can be done. Some folks are lucky enough that it comes quickly and naturally to them. Some of us aren't that lucky and, if like me, you literally have to force your body to change its habits. Hopefully, you'll fall into a regular routine quickly.

[asianthree]

There are apps for pink noise and sleep. Try counting down from 300 if you reach 0 get up and read something for an hour and try counting again..it works for many

[Lauren Sweeny]

For an herbal method to help sleep I have used the following. Camomile tea , drink it a half hr before bed. Valerian root tablets, very smelly but works! There are a variety of herbal premixed products that have valerian root, and other herbs you can try. No light in bedroom even from glowing TV, clock etc. I have also used earplugs, face mask, music to enhance sleep,sound machine, lavender scented pillow case , room darkening shade and all kinds of pillows and sheets. Do not drink caffeine at least 4 hrs before bed, same with exercise or anything that keeps your mind going
doing bills etc) I try to remember a beautiful peaceful place I have been then use my imagination to feel, smell and relive the great feeling. It could be sand in your ties, the smell of pine needles, sun or rain on your face whatever makes you relax and smile inside! Good luck.

[bluedog103]

I underwent cognitive behavior therapy for severe insomnia. I was very skeptical but it works. It's been shown to be a very effective therapy for treating insomnia.

[dotti105]

Thanks all, there are some very good suggestions there. Also glad to know that I am not the only one going through this. I know I will adjust, just don't know when....

[2BNTV]

The 3 to 11 PM shift was never a problem for me in terms of sleeping. The 12 to 8 AM shift, really screwed me up!!!

The only thing that cured me, was getting a 8 AM to 5 PM job. Some people's bodies will not allow them to change their sleep patterns. People who worked the graveyard shift, swore they liked it, as they were able to function during the day, and get enough sleep, before going back to work.

I disagreed with my neighbor who was working the same graveyard shift in that I said, "you don't realize how tired you are and won't realize it until you get back to the daytime shift". He finally got a daytime shift and started to sleep like a baby, and admitted I was right.

Some people just can't work the graveyard shift. They can adjust, but you won't feel right physically.

Good luck!!!

[Nightengale212]

Originally Posted by dotti105

I am a RN, planning to retire during Sept.

From one R.N. to another, wishing you a retirement filled with joy!!!

Wanted to share this with you which comes from a wall hanging I have written by Melodie Chenevert, R.N.

Nursing - a career not measured in years but in moments...
A Victorian crazy quilt.
A nursing career.
What do they have in common ?
Rich fabric.
Fragmented.
Held together by heart and hand.
Elaborately embellished with unforgettable moments.
Fine art.
Painstakingly executed.
A work in progress, often unfinished.
Chaotic yet controlled.
An synergy... the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
In the end we will not remember the years we spend in nursing.
We will remember only the moments.