Topic Overview

Control light, sound, and temperature

• Make sure that the room where you sleep is dark. Use blackout drapes or wear a sleep eye mask.
• Put a towel over bright digital devices, such as a clock.
• Wear dark wraparound glasses when you drive home in the daylight hours after working nights. This can counter some of the effect of light so your body will be more ready to sleep when you get home.
• Wear earplugs to block sounds.
• Use a "white noise" machine if there is distracting sound in the house or neighborhood that you can't avoid.
• Keep the room at about 65°F (18°C). It's hard to sleep in a room that is too hot or too cold.

Take care of yourself, and get support

• Eat a healthy diet. Some people who work night shifts gain weight because they eat high-calorie or high-fat meals.
• Don't have alcohol or caffeine in the hours leading up to bedtime.
• Get plenty of exercise.
• Take a nap during a work break if you can.
• Ask family members not to wake you during your sleep time, except for an emergency.

Consider a supplement or medicine for short-term use

• The dietary supplement melatonin may help improve your sleep. A man-made form of melatonin is available without a prescription. Your doctor can tell you how much to take and when to take it.
• Your doctor may prescribe sleeping pills for a limited time to help you fall asleep. These types of medicines include eszopiclone (Lunesta), ramelteon (Rozerem), zaleplon (Sonata), and zolpidem (Ambien or Ambien CR).
• The prescribed medicine modafinil may help you stay more alert at work. It's been shown to help people with shift work sleep problems stay awake when they work.²