How to Cope with Rotating Shift Work

Many industries require people to work rotating shifts in order to keep things going right 24/7. This is challenging and if not managed properly, it could easily affect your health, relationships and your ability to function safely and productively at work. Here are a few steps to help cope with the stress it brings.

Steps

1. 
   1
   Keep a shift roster. Knowing far in advance when you will be working and which hours is half the battle. This will allow you to plan in advance as to avoid conflicts in your schedule.
   

   • Note that it is wise to mark it as "Night shift" or "Day shift" (if it is a 'two shift' system as an example).
2. 
   2
   Get enough rest. This article would suggest that a 'sleep routine' is kept as the body will get used to it and adapt quickly to help cope with the demands of your working hours.
   

   • Please keep in mind that younger people need more sleep than older people do.
   • If you do not have a routine, the body will always try to adjust and thus it might feel like you never have enough sleep.
     
   • Avoid distractions when sleeping during the day to maximize the quality of rest.
3. 
   3
   Notify Friends and Family. It helps to inform those around you of your work schedule. This way they know when you're available for a 'get together'.
4. 
   
   

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   4
   Stay healthy. Having a well balanced diet will help keep energy levels high and fight fatigue.
5. 
   5
   Keep up your Natural energy levels. Having an energy drink here and there to fight the fatigue of shift work might work, but this article strongly recommends that it not be taken all the time as studies has shown that continuous use could affect the body negatively.
6. 
   6
   Know the effects of your Medication. When seeing a doctor for medicine, this article suggests informing him/her of your working conditions, hours and shifts as some medication might make you drowsy. Others might show up on drug tests. Many major factories. smelters and so on have random drug screening from time to time. Doctors can prescribe alternative medication in most cases.