So you want to try out working overnights? Well, to paraphrase the Joker; If you weren't so crazy, I'd think you were insane!
Still here? Good. There's nothing wrong with having a touch of craziness, I'll take that over being boring any day. Well, here are some things you should know before adopting the darkness.
1. Start during the cooler months.
If you work an overnight shift, keep in mind that you will be sleeping through the warmest part of the day. In the summer time it can get quite brutal if you don't have a decent air conditioner. During the summer I was lucky if I was able to get a mere three to four hours of sleep until I got a portable air conditioner for my room. It will already be difficult enough for you to switch your sleeping schedule once you start working overnights, so best not to make getting sleep tougher than it already will be.
2. Get blackout shades.
Sleeping in a day lit room was never an issue for me, but if you feel like your room is too bright during the day, this is a good option to consider.
3. Have caffeine on hand.
You will likely need this if you have trouble resetting your sleep schedule, but try to limit your caffeine intake. I knew someone who had to get a pacemaker at the age of twenty as a result of drinking too many energy drinks while working overnights. When I needed an extra boost I tended to use Kratom instead, especially after seeing firsthand what having too much caffeine can really do.
4. Take Melatonin if you have trouble sleeping.
This is a good and natural sleep aid to consider when attempting to reset your sleeping schedule, which can help you refrain from having to use caffeine during work if you're able to get enough sleep.
5. Listen to music.
Check with the rules of your workplace first, but if you have the option, listening to music can help make the night go by faster and most importantly, keep you awake.
6. Be prepared to duel with night dwellers.
Rats, Black Widows, you name it. With fewer workers and no customers around, the varmints take their opportunity to emerge from the shadows.
7. Get creative during your lunch break.
Chances are you will likely be somewhat sleep-deprived most of the time while working overnights, but if you write, draw, or have any other type of creative hobby, put it to use while on your break. There's nothing like sleep-deprived mania to get the creativity flowing.
8. Be ready to operate heavy machinery.
Someone's gotta do it. If you work overnights there will likely be some point you'll be called on to get a license for an Order Picker (as pictured above), Pacer, or a Forklift etc.
9. A good environment for introverts.
Overnights shifts, for the most part, mean not having to deal with customers (except for the unlucky souls that work at 24-hour Wal-Marts or Safeways), which is beneficial for introverts who normally perform better in small groups or alone, rather than having to deal with crowds.
10. Mood Swings can happen:
This will vary from person to person, but since your body's internal clock will be thrown off it's best to keep an eye on how you feel and behave. I've experienced a few hypomanic episodes as a result of sleep deprivation on some nights (which can be fun, although not the best for your health) but could also get easily irritated and feel down on other nights. I also was quick to anger sometimes, although that was likely a result of wrestling with overstock water heaters, cabinets, and toilets while attempting to place them in overheads with an Order Picker. I should note that I was also going to college while working overnights, which likely amplified my erratic mood swings.
11. Have fun messing with other coworkers on the overhead paging system.
Be sure your supervisor is laid back enough so you don't get written up if so this is a good way to keep your coworkers' morale up by giving them a good laugh. Just be sure to stay productive and don't get carried away with it though.
12. Supplement yourself with Vitamin D.
In order to help prevent or control the aforementioned mood swings, Vitamin D is something good to have on hand. You likely won't be seeing much of the sun during your work week after all.
Well, if you're still up for switching to an overnight shift after reading my advice, then you should have enough backbone to handle it. I definitely went through some tough experiences when I worked overnights, but I enjoyed being a part of a more laid back atmosphere. You'll certainly meet some interesting and unique characters in the process, you can count on that.
