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How to stay awake on long shift without caffeine!

Discussion in 'General Midwifery Discussion' started by Carpe_Diem, Jun 23, 2009.

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  1. Carpe_Diem Active Member

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    Hi everyone

    I've read a couple of threads about how to keep alert during a night shift. I've never worked shifts before and am a bit worried about how I'm going to keep awake without the aid of caffeine! I have a nasty reaction to caffeine (heart palpitations) and haven't had tea or coffee for 15 years! So those are out, as is red bull and even some lucozade. What else helps? Lots of water? Anything else?

    Thanks :D
    Carpe_Diem, Jun 23, 2009
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  2. Daffodil New Member

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    I think I remeber reading a post from Butterfly and she said lots of water and small snacks little and often, for me it'll be redbull and proplus xx
    Daffodil, Jun 23, 2009
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  3. Butterfly Senior Manager and Midwifery Survivor!

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    Yep....you're right Daffodil, like you CD i don't get on too well with caffeine either, it makes me feel unbelievably ropey!!

    I drink alot of water (at least 2 litres) and eat small, regular snacks of healthy stuff, like cereal bars, fruit etc. If i'm really struggling i'll hit the chocolate, but you get a lovely sugar crash with that and leaves you feeling sick.

    You won't feel as alert as a day shift, your body clock just will not allow it, so the best advice i can give is just try and stay as busy as possible and the night will fly by!

    Have fun! xxxxxx
    Butterfly, Jun 23, 2009
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  4. Shamrock Member

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    I just try and drink lots of water like the girlies have said, and also get a good sleep that day, turn your phone off, unplug the landline and get a good rest!
    Shamrock, Jun 23, 2009
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  5. Curly Communications Manager

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    Small carbohydrate snacks definitely. Do you get a bad reaction guarana? It's like natural caffeine me thinks. It's in some drinks. X
    Curly, Jun 23, 2009
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  6. talulatwinkytoes New Member

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    I may throw a spanner in the works here, but carbs release seratonin which then releases the relaxing/sleep hormone therefore making you more sleepy! (forgive me cant quite remember all the chemistry but thats the basically what happens.) So instead you should opt for more protien based foods. I tested this out as I lived of toast n whatever throughout the night, having found this information out I have cut the carbs right down to as little as possible and instead eating fish, cheese, salads, veg, chicken etc and I have to say I have noticed a massive difference. It could be placebo I know but for me i works! x x
    talulatwinkytoes, Jun 23, 2009
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  7. Roo Well-Known Member

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    water definitely for me -almost 2 litres i think i get through on a night shift (amazingly my bladder doesn't seem to mind!)

    i took a packed lunch every night as well -same as i would have done if i was on a daytime shift -i took loads though just incase i fancied something weird -didn't eat most of it.
    Roo, Jun 23, 2009
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  8. Carpe_Diem Active Member

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    Thanks. I always drink loads of water/weak squash - usually about 6 pints a day or so. I'd read on here that some shifts you don't get time to drink, which worried me. I get some bad headaches if I get dehydrated. I assume this means you can actually get a chance to drink, then?

    Carpe_Diem, Jun 23, 2009
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  9. Roo Well-Known Member

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    i take my bottle in the room with me! lol (my mentor does too) not seen anyone else doing it but hey ho. i think we're allowed as long as it is labelled and dated!
    Roo, Jun 23, 2009
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  10. Planet Midwife New Member

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    Im rubbish at drinking...live on tea and coffee as of tomorrow, im on the water !
    Planet Midwife, Jun 23, 2009
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