Safety in focus: Tips for working night shifts

​Whether you are required to work night shift on a regular basis or because your shifts rotate, adjusting to a schedule that requires you to sleep during the day is difficult. Not only is it mentally draining, but continuous disrupted sleep can lead to health problems caused by increased stress and decreased immunity. If however shift work is part and parcel of your job, do not to fear - here are a few simple yet effective strategies that can help your body better adapt to night shift work.

• However inconsistent your hours may be, maintain three meals a day.

• Take nutritious snacks to work, manage your fluid and fibre intake – if you don’t your body’s systems can become sluggish and out of rhythm

• Minimise caffeinated and sports drinks, these can effect sleep patterns.

• Ensure you get a complete sleep in your downtime.

• Increase your water intake.

• Develop alternative methods of increasing your energy levels; vary work activities to avoid fatigue eg. short walks can help.

• Have a hot shower just before you go to bed; as your body cools from the shower it mimics the body’s natural process of cooling down to help you go to sleep faster.

• Be aware of fatigue after the shift is over, and avoid driving home if you’re tired.

Be proactive in managing your transition to night shifts to avoid long-term mental and physical problems. Focused on Zero Harm The safety of our people is our absolute priority. To report a safety incident or hazard, call us on 1300 967 572 or click here to submit a report.