The night shift is a preferred schedule for some while others have no choice but to take it. Whether it's a mandate or a choice, it's still not easy to work during nighttime, especially if you have only switched recently. Luckily, there are things that can help with the adjustment as well as the change.
1. Automatic Blackout Curtains
One of the hardest parts about the adjustment is getting your body clock used to the shift. Our brains are used to being awake during the day when there's light out. The best way to trick your mind into thinking that it's night is by using blackout curtains or shades.
It would be better if you bought motorized ones that you can connect with your smart home controls. This way, you can schedule when it closes such as sunrises or afternoons. It would be easier for you to sleep during the day when your windows aren't bringing in sunlight.
2. Light Therapy Lamp
As mentioned before, your brain is used to being awake when there's sun out. Just as you can trick your mind into thinking it's night by blocking your windows, you can also create a day-like atmosphere by using a light therapy lamp.
There are models that are both adjustable and have options for scheduled operations. If you work from home, you can turn it on near your workstation. If you work on-site, you can schedule it to turn on a few minutes before you wake up.
3. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Since most of the people around you will be awake during the day, you can expect to hear noises that might disturb your sleep. This is entirely avoidable if you have any noise-canceling device handy that you can use anytime you need.
Earplugs will work just as well, but having noise-canceling headphones will also allow you to listen to soothing music or white noise to help you sleep. Plus, you can blast upbeat music once you wake up to prevent yourself from feeling drowsy.
4. Personal Safety Alarm
It's a sad reality, but the danger does increase during the night since people with bad intentions can hide in the cloak of darkness. If you work from home, then you are among the lucky ones who won't have to walk alone outside.
Carrying a personal safety alarm can be the difference between harm and getting to your destination safely. While it's not guaranteed to work, a loud alarm will most likely rattle anyone who intends to target you with criminal intent.
5. Smart Alarm Clock
Your smart alarm clock will be your best friend from when you have only started the night shift to when you are already used to it. It won't just be there to wake you up as some models can also play soothing sounds so you'll start the day without the shock factor of blaring alarms.
Plus, you can use it when you're still in the adjustment phase and don't actually need to work the night shift yet. You can schedule alarms that gradually pull you away from your normal sleeping schedule, which will make for an easier body clock change.
