3rd Shift + Always Tired = Falling asleep while driving. - Sleep Disorders Message Board

1337FTW · 07-30-2008, 09:42 PM

I work 3rd shift for an IT Support company (10:00 PM - 7:00 AM). I am actually pretty used to this schedule because my previous job was at a restaurant from 8:00 PM - 6:00 AM. I am 19 years old and have had schedules like this for about 2 years.

I generally go to sleep around 8:00 AM and wake up around 2-3 PM (5-6 Hours of sleep). I usually have to set my alarm to get me up otherwise I find myself sleeping over 10 hours.

I always seem to be tired though. I have times where I will feel awake but it will quickly become tiredness if I am not doing something engaging within about 3-5 minutes. Driving especially seems to make it worse. I drive about 40 minutes to work every night. I often find myself feeling pretty awake until about an hour before I need to leave for work. I start driving and after about 3-5 minutes I have a hard time concentrating and keeping my eyes open. I found myself today as well a few times other times. Opening my eyes to my car driving up a curb and off the road. It's like waking up to my life ending and it's extremely scary. At first I can handle it but near the end I don't even realize I dozed off until I wake up to the car going off the road.

I recently have had a very poor diet (Eating once a day if that). I posted about that issue in another section and am taking the advice given and trying to setup a schedule eating structure. It helps with some issues like sickness but the fatigue is still the same.

It's getting out of control and I don't know what to do. I have tried sleeping extra but usually if I sleep to long I get even more tired and groggy. I tried naps as well but that makes me groggy as well and tends to give me a headache. The main reason I like 3rd shift is because I get the whole day to do whatever can and needs to be done. I don't want to switch shifts or find a new job and it really isn't an option regardless.

I also have tried Energy Drinks and such but have been trying to lay-off because of the prices and past experiences (4 No-Doze, 4 Red Bulls, 1 BFG Monster in 6 hours....Eek!).

Any ideas?

bethsheba · 07-31-2008, 06:01 AM

Welcome to the boards, 1337.

I never napped unless I could devote 2-4 hours to a nap because with "cat" naps I would become groggier, tired, and horribly crabby which except for the crabbiness sounds a little like what you are experiencing. I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, and also periodic limb movement syndrome. Because of this alone, I would suggest you do some reading about sleep apnea, take some self quizzes and questionaires, and perhaps see a sleep specialist to rule out/in apnea and/or other sleep disorders.

I worked nights, too, so I understand the challenges one faces keeping a regular schedule...and a regular schedule should help...but I suspect what you're dealing with is more than schedule issues.

Do work on eating a well balanced diet. For some of us, and unbalanced diet (electrolyte/potassium/magnesium/calcium) deficiencies can cause us to move ALOT at night, also disturbing our sleep...so eat lots of fruits and veggies and don't let yourself get dehydrated.

Good luck and let us know how you do...we learn from each other!

Bethsheba

PS I forgot to say that if you are taking any medications, check for the side effects...many meds cause sleep problems and doctors fail to recognize this fact despite the literature!

1337FTW · 07-31-2008, 09:49 PM

I think I may have a minor case of RLS or something along the lines of Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome. I often find myself trying to go to sleep and getting a tingling sensation in my legs or feet as well as an urge to constantly move.

As far as my diet goes, I really don't eat healthy at all. I am trying to get about 3 "meal" a day but often find myself eating 1-2 "meals" a day that consists of frozen pizza, microwave dinners, or a sandwhich. At work I generally snack on about 10-30 small pieces of candy(Reeses, Snickers, Etc..).

I used to take Provigil when I woke up for school awhile back as well as a bunch of medicine for Bipolar but I stopped taking all my medicines about 3-4 months ago.

I would prefer to take an approach other then medicines or doctors since I am not insured yet and it's inconvenient and pricey.

bethsheba · 08-01-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1337FTW

...I would prefer to take an approach other then medicines or doctors since I am not insured yet and it's inconvenient and pricey.

In my opinion, the single best thing you can do for yourself given these circumstances is start eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies...and do some reading about the importance of calcium, magnesium, and potassium in the diet. Those nutrients are key to many brain/body functions...and if you understand what there role is, you will be more likely to eat healthy.

Good luck!

Bethsheba