As a medical employee, you have probably endured multiple stresses on the job, from getting coughed on by cold-ridden kids to dealing with irate family members. Additionally, health workers are accustomed to getting the short end of the stick when it comes to scheduling.

People get sick at all hours of the day or night, and it’s only logical that some medical workers would have to work the night shift. The key to maintaining a healthy sleep schedule when your biological clock is screwed up is maintaining a schedule and sticking to it—so, a nighttime routine is incredibly important.

Here are some of Odyssey Staffing’s suggestions for regulating your sleep schedule while working irregular hours:

Minimize Screen Usage

Struggling to fall asleep at night? The problem might not be what’s going on in your head so much as the device that’s under your nose. If you have a habit of reading your phone or tablet in bed, that glowing light could be interfering with your ability to get a good night’s sleep. For best results, power down those devices a good hour before you climb under the covers, or at least turn the brightness down on your screens.

Cut Out Naps

When you’re stuck working nights, you might be tempted to take a nap to catch up on lost sleep. However, gaining 30 minutes of shut-eye now could set you up for a sleepless eight hours later. If you’re working the night shift and need to take a nap, strive to limit your sleep session to 20 minutes. If you zone out for any longer, you likely won’t wind up refreshed and ready to start your shift.

Modify Your Bedroom

These days, bedrooms serve multiple purposes. Along with holding our beds, they often feature desks, couches, TV sets, and even pets. Unfortunately, stowing all these items and animals in your bedroom can make it tough for you to sleep, especially during the day when your brain would rather be awake. For best results, keep your bedroom clean and organized, and move the TV to another room of the house. And if you’re looking to redecorate, opt to include shades of blue, which are proven to be relaxing.

Find a Better Job With Odyssey Staffing

A leader in medical staffing solutions, the team at Odyssey connects job candidates with positions at hospitals and health centers around the country. For more information about how we can help you find your dream job, call today or contact our team online.