nightshift commute

[R600]

anyone out there commute on nightshift. i've started a 7 day stint of nightshifts and have felt to tired to cycle the 30 mile round trip. would you cycle even though you're tired/not got the right amount of sleep. it's been a bit windy lately and cold with it (far north of scotland) and this hasn't filled me with motivation.

 

[I like Skol]

I work permanent nights, 4x12hr shifts then 4 days off and if you have just started nights I suggest it will take you/your body weeks or even months to get used to it. I reckon it was at least six months before I got past that falling asleep at 3 or 4 in the morning feeling. I don't think anyone that works nights is ever not tired/short of sleep, especially if you have a family too. Having said that, I cycle the 20 mile round trip at least 2 of the 4 nights and it is a pleasure but start off with one night and build it up slowly to see how you handle it. There is no shame in taking the car if you are short of time, too tired or the weather it too sh*tty

 

[Browser]

I work nights, though we usually only do 2-in-a-row unless providing cover, and yes, you do feel like death warmed up sometimes, but you sleep bloody well during the day!
Something I've found, even with blackout linings on the curtains, you sleep better with an airliner-style eyeshade on as it blanks out all ambient light.
How long have you worked shifts for R600? Around August it will be 20 years since I started and this is my fourth shift pattern to date.

 

[R600]

i've worked night shift for the last 20 years on and off, but in my old job my commute was short and wasn't a problem. i used to sleep no problem before but i now struggle to get enough sleep so maybe a nice 30 mile round trip will help.

 

[addictfreak]

Have worked nights for the last 26 years (2 days 2 nights 3 off) Commuted by bike for most of that. Normally I commute to the same place but can be required to work anywhere within Tyne & Wear. Always love the commute by bike, sometimes im glad when its over especially after a hard night.

Niether tiredness or weather usually put me off.

 

[cyberknight]

I work 2 weeks days, 2 weeks nights and i find the commute home the best bit of night shift.

Not much traffic and you get home tired but refreshed.

I tend to take i a bit steadier coming home but it is still doable, i commute 10 miles each way so not much difference.

If yo are not getting enough sleep then maybe thats more to do with your sleep environment and other commitments as i know a lot of other guys on nights get up to early and are to tired anyway, i make sure i still get a good 7 hours down time with black out blinds and ear plugs .

Weather i am afraid its MTFU... i only missed the commute when it snowed badly as i did not fancy it on 23 mm slicks.
A lot of cycling in the wet or cold is down to the correct clothing , once you get out there it is not to bad.

Maybe try it alternate nights?

 

[R600]

well 5.5 hrs sleep today 3hrs first thing in the morning and 2.5hrs in the evening. got my cycling kit on having a cup of coffee will be leaving about 22:30hrs. i always wear ear plugs and the room is dark enough but i'm strugling this set for some reason.

 

[AhThisFeckinThing]

Nearly 20 years of full shifts, pattern has changed over 10 times during that course. I found cycling to work on nights very good, roads a lot quieter. In the morning I must admit the thought of cycling home fills me with dread, but as soon as I start, come rain or shine (not too keen on strong winds) I really enjoy it. I often take breaks through the nights i.e use the car. Sleeping on nights is a nightmare, but as stated cycling home does help. I think nights get worse as you get older, so plenty to look forward too!! If I do feel too tired I can at least take the car, it does really help. I only commute 20 miles in total, 30 miles a day for me would take me an age.

 

[johnr]

I don't work nights any more, but I do shifts which end between 11pm and 2am. I find the roads virtually empty and the riding a pleasure. The energy expended also makes me sleep like a log whatever time I go to bed (but I always wake up at the same time in the morning )

Long stretches always leave me drained regardless of the degree of pressure at work.

Can I recommend to all posters that they get their unions to look at the HSE stress at work publications on shift work? I'm in my 3rd or 4th year of nagging ours without much success, but it reads well and it helps you to do what you can to improve your own life-work balance where you can.