Can an early shift in work mentally and physically drain a person?

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

I currently work Mon-Fri and my shift starts at 7am and finishes at 3:30pm. I set my alarm for 5am every morning so it gives me time to wake up, get washed and dressed and have my breakfast. I make my lunch the night before so I'm not rushing around in the morning trying to find something to make. I leave my house at around 20 past 6 then to make it to work. I get to work around 15 mins early to have a cup of tea before I start and wind down a little bit.

But I find by 7pm-8pm, I am literally ready for bed. I've tried to busy myself after work and give myself things to do so I can go to bed at a reasonable hour instead of just passing out. As soon as I fall asleep, I awake again 3 hours later then fall asleep again, awake during the night, fall asleep and then my alarm goes off. As I write this, I see that my sleeping is starting to get affected and broken.

I try to see the positive side and tell myself that I get to leave work early and be home for 4pm and have the rest of the day/evening to myself but as the days and weeks go on, I feel my mood and energy is worsening and I generally don't want to do anything but sleep. I literally think about falling asleep when I'm in work. Every morning I take vitamin supplements and lately, my whole body has just been so run down that I can't even get rid of a cold that I've had for ages. It's not the cold that's running me down moreso the lack of energy. I go to the gym twice a week which is the weekend because its the only time I really have a big more energy to do things, hence the little lie on. My weekends are filled with business as I don't have much energy during the week to do anything. I much rather be busy on the weekend anyways but again, by 9pm of a Friday, Saturday and Sunday I'm more than likely passed out.

I'm finding as my alarm goes off, I'm pressing snooze until the last second and I before I know it, it's 5 past 6 and I've to rush around and get ready and run out the door. No food. Half washed. Hair thrown up and just over all, not looking like I attempted to get myself ready at all. I get into work looking and feeling like rubbish, do my shift, go home and have dinner and back to bed again. I've tried to tell myself to go to the gym straight after work but physically and mentally I'm pushing myself to exhaustion.

I don't want to interact with anyone. I can feel myself not wanting to speak or not have anything to talk about because my brain is just to tired to function. My job itself isn't hard and I'm not slacking but my interest is gone and I don't want to do anything else..... But sleep.

Is it possible for an early shift (or late shift) to make depression and anxiety appear? I suffer with anxiety and I've managed to be able to control it for the first time in years but I feel like it's taking over again and I'm going backwards in myself and losing the will and want to do anything.

I'm lucky that I'm in a job that I can tell them that the early shift doesn't suit me so speaking to them about it isn't an issue at all.

I'm just more curious as to whether an early working shift can affect someone mentally and physically?

FixdePitchmark

Is 7 early

Sounds like you need a quicker routine

o1s1n

Your issue there as the poster mentioned above is your morning routine - you need an hour and 20 minutes to get ready?

5starpool

An hour and 20 mins to get ready to leave the house seems very excessive, especially when there is no children involved. Take less time in the shower in the morning or fussing with your hair or whatever it is, stay in bed until 5.30 and it'll help.

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

5starpool wrote: »

An hour and 20 mins to get ready to leave the house seems very excessive, especially when there is no children involved. Take less time in the shower in the morning or fussing with your hair or whatever it is, stay in bed until 5.30 and it'll help.

That's the thing. I've set my alarm for half 5 before and I ended up sleeping in and being late. I know it's extremely early to wake up. I roll out of the bed around 25 past 5 after my alarm goes off so Im not immediately out of the bed as soon as the alarm goes off but still

theteal

Colten Dazzling Smugness wrote: »

But I find by 7pm-8pm, I am literally ready for bed. I've tried to busy myself after work and give myself things to do so I can go to bed at a reasonable hour instead of just passing out.

What's a reasonable hour?

I've just recently left a job where I was in for 7. On the 06:01 train. My alarm was set for 05:20 iirc so not a whole lot different to you. By 21:00 I'd be thinking about hitting the hay and I'd assume that's fairly normal for that kind of shift.

I'm not in for 08:00 and the job is an 8 minute drive away, I still got to bed about 22:00.

salmocab

Your getting up too early, Washed and breakfast shouldn’t be taking you more than 30 minutes. Also some people need more sleep than others. I get up at 6 and generally I’ll be in bed by 10 often a bit earlier. What takes you 75 minutes in the morning?

iamwhoiam

My daughter did that shift for a few years . She was up and out and a child droppped to me and on her way and it took 35 minutes ! What is taking you an hour and half ?

salmocab

If you left your breakfast stuff in work you could probably get up at 6

5starpool

Colten Dazzling Smugness wrote: »

That's the thing. I've set my alarm for half 5 before and I ended up sleeping in and being late. I know it's extremely early to wake up. I roll out of the bed around 25 past 5 after my alarm goes off so Im not immediately out of the bed as soon as the alarm goes off but still

That's a little different. I don't think it is necessarily the hour you are getting up at, it is just the lack of quality sleep. I was a night owl most of my life until recently when I had no choice but to have to wake up between 6 and 6.30 most days, much as I'd prefer not to (damn kid not cooperating though).

Reconciling yourself to be in bed by 10 or so, and asleep by 10.30 would allow you to get a better night sleep. If you aren't sleeping well that is the cause of the difficulty. Maybe in the summer when it is bright at that time it might be easier to get up?

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

iamwhoiam wrote: »

My daughter did that shift for a few years . She was up and out and a child droppped to me and on her way and it took 35 minutes ! What is taking you an hour and half ?

Honestly I don't even know. I think it's more a fear of being late for work than anything else. I get up and get ready, 10 mins tops, then have breakfast and then I'm finding I'm pottering around.

I honestly sound like a right gob****e now.

iamwhoiam

Colten Dazzling Smugness wrote: »

Honestly I don't even know. I think it's more a fear of being late for work than anything else. I get up and get ready, 10 mins tops, then have breakfast and then I'm finding I'm pottering around.

I honestly sound like a right gob****e now.

Organisation is the key . Everything ready the night before and no dilly dallying ! She had a child to organise and herself and its easily done if you have a routine . Bag ready , lunch ready , quick shower etc

el Fenomeno

The simple solution is you need to do more with your evenings, preferably something active. You've slipped into a bad routine of waking up, going to work, coming home and wasting your evenings until it's time for bed.

You have 5-6 hours every evening that you are wasting. That's 25-30 hours a week. There is so much you could do with this time.

My recommendation is start going to the gym or doing some form of physical activity, and you'll see a change. Doesn't have to be every evening, but it's the easiest (and most guilt-free) way of releasing endorphins and picking yourself up from the slump you're in.

First couple of attempts to go will be the hardest, because you've adapted to a pretty sedentary/inactive lifestyle. Do the above and you'll find yourself in a better mood, with more energy, you'll sleep better and you'll have a better outlook on things. I know from experience, I was in a similar slump to yourself.

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

5starpool wrote: »

That's a little different. I don't think it is necessarily the hour you are getting up at, it is just the lack of quality sleep. I was a night owl most of my life until recently when I had no choice but to have to wake up between 6 and 6.30 most days, much as I'd prefer not to (damn kid not cooperating though).

Reconciling yourself to be in bed by 10 or so, and asleep by 10.30 would allow you to get a better night sleep. If you aren't sleeping well that is the cause of the difficulty. Maybe in the summer when it is bright at that time it might be easier to get up?

You would think I had a reason to get up really early but its like its drilled into me that Ive to get up early or I'll be late. If annoys me. It annoys people around me as well because I'm so tired I don't even want to interact half the time or haven't the energy to speak and then I come off as rude. I'm moodier and cranky.

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

el Fenomeno wrote: »

The simple solution is you need to do more with your evenings, preferably something active. You've slipped into a bad routine of waking up, going to work, coming home and wasting your evenings until it's time for bed.

You have 5-6 hours every evening that you are wasting. That's 25-30 hours a week. There is so much you could do with this time.

My recommendation is start going to the gym or doing some form of physical activity, and you'll see a change. Doesn't have to be every evening, but it's the easiest (and most guilt-free) way of releasing endorphins and picking yourself up from the slump you're in.

First couple of attempts to go will be the hardest, because you've adapted to a pretty sedentary/inactive lifestyle. Do the above and you'll find yourself in a better mood, with more energy, you'll sleep better and you'll have a better outlook on things. I know from experience, I was in a similar slump to yourself.

A slump! That's the word I was looking for all morning haha.

Agricola

Never got this idea of showering in the morning, especially if you have to be up at 5/6am. For me anyway, it would necessitate getting up around 15/20 minutes earlier.

Try showering the night before, then you just have to jump into your clothes, eat a light breakfast and be out the door in 20 minutes, half hour tops.

bush

I've worked 12 to 9 for years and recently got a 9 to 5 job and I'm finding it hard to adjust. I really miss getting up when I'm ready to get up instead of waking to an alarm. I've been completely wrecked every day going to work and when I come home.

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

Agricola wrote: »

Never got this idea of showering in the morning, especially if you have to be up at 5/6am. For me anyway, it would necessitate getting up around 15/20 minutes earlier.

Try showering the night before, then you just have to jump into your clothes, eat a light breakfast and be out the door in 20 minutes, half hour tops.

By a wash I mean, wash my face and brush my teeth. That sort of morning routine. I shower the night before. I can't stand showers first thing in the morning.

I think I might just set my alarm for half 5 and see how I get on. I really don't want to give up that shift as it is a nice one to work on

.......

Some people need more sleep, and some people need more time in the morning.

My husband gets up at 5.30am and leaves around 7am.
I get up at 6am and leave at 6.30am. I could even leave faster if I had to.

But he likes to have breakfast, watch a bit of news, have a coffee etc...
Me - I dont eat before I leave and I prefer sleep to watching news.

However, he needs less sleep than me. So despite getting up earlier we both go to bed at the same time, between 9.30 and 10pm.

GreeBo

You are probably up 2 hours before people who dont do an early shift or have a massive commute, so of course you are going to be going to be 2 hours before these people also.

Most people if they are up at 7 are going to be around 10, you are up at 5 and so go to be around 8...I dont see what the issue is (other than your poor morning routine, have your breakfast in work with your "wind down" time)

aloneforever99

Colten Dazzling Smugness wrote: »

You would think I had a reason to get up really early but its like its drilled into me that Ive to get up early or I'll be late. If annoys me. It annoys people around me as well because I'm so tired I don't even want to interact half the time or haven't the energy to speak and then I come off as rude. I'm moodier and cranky.

Why are you so tired though? What time are you normally going to bed? You need 7-8 hours sleep, so that means getting to bed by about 10 - are you staying up later than this?

How's your lifestyle otherwise - do you drink enough water, how's your diet, do you exercise? When you do go to sleep, is it good quality sleep or are you tossing and turning?

sbsquarepants

You get up an hour and 20 minutes before you leave the house??

I leave at 7, I get up at ten to 7.

Dressed, brush teeth, cup of coffee for the commute and gone. I wouldn't have the foggiest idea what to do with an extra hour and ten minutes.

I'd either be following stupid links on my phone and end up late for work, or boredom **** and end up late for work!

salmocab

Colten Dazzling Smugness wrote: »

By a wash I mean, wash my face and brush my teeth. That sort of morning routine. I shower the night before. I can't stand showers first thing in the morning.

I think I might just set my alarm for half 5 and see how I get on. I really don't want to give up that shift as it is a nice one to work on

What type of work do you do?
Yeah that’s about the best hours around I’ve found.

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

GreeBo wrote: »

You are probably up 2 hours before people who dont do an early shift or have a massive commute, so of course you are going to be going to be 2 hours before these people also.

Most people if they are up at 7 are going to be around 10, you are up at 5 and so go to be around 8...I dont see what the issue is (other than your poor morning routine, have your breakfast in work with your "wind down" time)

I'm just woundering if it's a case of my shift having a problem with mental and physical health or I'm just being an ejit getting up to early and causing it myself. Seems like the latter. I wouldn't exactly say poor morning routine haha. I think I just get up to early thinking I'm doing myself a favour. Not in a slightest at all

Sky King

sbsquarepants wrote: »

I wouldn't have the foggiest idea what to do with an extra hour and ten minutes.

You could have a shower anyway....

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

Sky King wrote: »

You could have a shower anyway....

Or a bath seeing as I have that much time left haha

sbsquarepants

Sky King wrote: »

You could have a shower anyway....

No way - morning showers are horrific affairs. Evenings are for that sort of carry on!

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

Righto.

Seeing as I made a fool of myself thinking my shift was the problem, it wasn't. Made a fool of myself, therefore I'll go sleep in a corner now.

Cheers for the posts. I'll go laugh at myself and make tea. Set my alarm for a normal time in the morning and test my new morning routine.

Happy Thursday!

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

Sorollory wrote: »

Procrasturbation is a prime cause of tardiness.

There's no denying that

IAMAMORON

It sounds to me like you are suffering from fatigue and that you are blaming your current routine.


The fact is that you are a human being and not a robot. It is natural to feel deflated at this time if the year, particularly with the dark mornings etc. Easy to get anyone down.


Does your shift change ? Is there scope within your workplace to change your hours? Look into this for sure.


If you are up early get to bed early. Getting proper rest and eating well are really important for your wellbeing , especially during the winter months. You don't need to turn into a monk or anything, but be good to yourself during your time off.

Pauliedragon

Colten Dazzling Smugness wrote: »

You would think I had a reason to get up really early but its like its drilled into me that Ive to get up early or I'll be late. If annoys me. It annoys people around me as well because I'm so tired I don't even want to interact half the time or haven't the energy to speak and then I come off as rude. I'm moodier and cranky.

It sounds like paranoia about being late might be interrupting your sleep. Even when you do nod off you mightn't be reaching the levels of sleep needed to re energise the brain due to worry. Maybe try and address the paranoia and you'll sleep better.

HeidiHeidi

I've done shift work more or less all my life (mixed shifts, though) - and as I get older, I find the early shifts increasingly hard to cope with. I used to be completely allergic to nights, but now it's the early shifts I dread.


I start at 7, and the alarm goes off at 6.10am and I might get up at 6.20 (although I'm trying to get out of the habit of the snooze button, with not much success so far) - but I do live about an 8-minute drive from work, so basically no commuting time.


I have to have a shower in the morning, I don't feel like I've woken up unless I do! But I can delay food till later (not ideal, but I can't eat that early or that soon after waking up), have to get a coffee in though.


Most days I get home at 4 or 5 and have to have a little nap! But I'm a huge sleeper, left to my own devices I'd say I'd easily sleep 10 hours a night no problem.


But to answer your OP question - yes, I find early shifts harder and harder, and I'm not getting up anywhere near as early as you.


Could you have breakfast and coffee at work? If you're not showering in the morning, it should be possible to have a set, drilled routine of get up, dressed and out the door in 15 minutes or less (possibly still half-asleep!). I don't know what your commute time is, but you're inflicting an awfully early wake-up time on yourself unnecessarily, IMO.

lainey_d_123

I will never understand why people who already start work early insist on getting up at some ridiculous time and faffing around for an hour and a half. When I worked in a hotel, I used to start at 7am and I got up as late as humanly possible. Shower the night before, clothes all ready, make-up laid out ready, breakfast packed in a bag. Get up, put kettle on, get dressed while kettle is boiling, instant coffee made in flask, brush teeth, brush hair, put on some make-up and go. Have breakfast either on the bus on the way to work or after arriving at work. Why would you give up an hour or more of sleep when you're already waking up really early?

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

aloneforever99 wrote: »

Why are you so tired though? What time are you normally going to bed? You need 7-8 hours sleep, so that means getting to bed by about 10 - are you staying up later than this?

How's your lifestyle otherwise - do you drink enough water, how's your diet, do you exercise? When you do go to sleep, is it good quality sleep or are you tossing and turning?

Im in bed around 8. Not by choice either. I'm crawling up the stairs because I'm tired, put something on Netflix or have a chat with the partner. Then I'm turning over and asleep by 9 because my eyes are failing me. I drink at least 2 litres a day. I have a water bottle to keep track so I'm good with water. I think my diet is fairly good. Healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner. Might snack on a bar for "desert" after dinner but nothing major. I got to the gym twice a week which I think needs to be upgraded to more than that now, seeing as it could help me. My sleeping is okay. I always wake up at least once a night, mainly to check the time then fall back to sleep again but I'm not wide awake. I don't toss and turn. I fall asleep pretty quickly.

HeidiHeidi

lainey_d_123 wrote: »

I will never understand why people who already start work early insist on getting up at some ridiculous time and faffing around for an hour and a half. When I worked in a hotel, I used to start at 7am and I got up as late as humanly possible. Shower the night before, clothes all ready, make-up laid out ready, breakfast packed in a bag. Get up, put kettle on, get dressed while kettle is boiling, instant coffee made in flask, brush teeth, brush hair, put on some make-up and go. Have breakfast either on the bus on the way to work or after arriving at work. Why would you give up an hour or more of sleep when you're already waking up really early?

This, all day long!!!

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

Pauliedragon wrote: »

It sounds like paranoia about being late might be interrupting your sleep. Even when you do nod off you mightn't be reaching the levels of sleep needed to re energise the brain due to worry. Maybe try and address the paranoia and you'll sleep better.

That's exactly what it is. I'm almost always awake before my alarm, check it, go back to sleep then alarm goes off.

Wildsurfer

lainey_d_123 wrote: »

I will never understand why people who already start work early insist on getting up at some ridiculous time and faffing around for an hour and a half. When I worked in a hotel, I used to start at 7am and I got up as late as humanly possible. Shower the night before, clothes all ready, make-up laid out ready, breakfast packed in a bag. Get up, put kettle on, get dressed while kettle is boiling, instant coffee made in flask, brush teeth, brush hair, put on some make-up and go. Have breakfast either on the bus on the way to work or after arriving at work. Why would you give up an hour or more of sleep when you're already waking up really early?

You keep a kettle in your bedroom?

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

IAMAMORON wrote: »

It sounds to me like you are suffering from fatigue and that you are blaming your current routine.


The fact is that you are a human being and not a robot. It is natural to feel deflated at this time if the year, particularly with the dark mornings etc. Easy to get anyone down.


Does your shift change ? Is there scope within your workplace to change your hours? Look into this for sure.


If you are up early get to bed early. Getting proper rest and eating well are really important for your wellbeing , especially during the winter months. You don't need to turn into a monk or anything, but be good to yourself during your time off.

Constantly tired. Day in and day out. I take Borroca (or aldis equivalent!) every morning which helps for about an hour then crash and burn before the first break in the morning. By then I have green tea and fruits to help energise again. I'm not a big coffee drinker.

sbsquarepants

Colten Dazzling Smugness wrote: »

My sleeping is okay. I always wake up at least once a night, mainly to check the time then fall back to sleep again but I'm not wide awake. I don't toss and turn. I fall asleep pretty quickly.

Your pretty much getting the average amount of sleep 8 hours give or take. If you want more hours in the evening, you'll need to take them from the morning........or find a quite spot in work for an hour or two;)

lainey_d_123

Colten Dazzling Smugness wrote: »

Im in bed around 8. Not by choice either. I'm crawling up the stairs because I'm tired, put something on Netflix or have a chat with the partner. Then I'm turning over and asleep by 9 because my eyes are failing me. I drink at least 2 litres a day. I have a water bottle to keep track so I'm good with water. I think my diet is fairly good. Healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner. Might snack on a bar for "desert" after dinner but nothing major. I got to the gym twice a week which I think needs to be upgraded to more than that now, seeing as it could help me. My sleeping is okay. I always wake up at least once a night, mainly to check the time then fall back to sleep again but I'm not wide awake. I don't toss and turn. I fall asleep pretty quickly.

Maybe get your vitamin D checked and general blood tests, but getting up at 5am when you don't need to is pure madness. I'd consider 6am the earliest 'normal' waking up time that isn't going to screw with your body clock.

lainey_d_123

Wildsurfer wrote: »

You keep a kettle in your bedroom?

No, it was in the kitchen. I put it on right after getting up, went and got dressed and then poured out the water into my flask. Not that confusing tbh.

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

sbsquarepants wrote: »

Your pretty much getting the average amount of sleep 8 hours give or take. If you want more hours in the evening, you'll need to take them from the morning........or find a quite spot in work for an hour or two;)

Just lie on the floor and fall asleep. No one will ask questions. They are just tired so they will say

nothing

I've found that being tired has a negative impact on my mood, anxiety and ability to cope. So while the early shift in and of itself may not be the culprit, your routine could be. Sounds like you're planning to follow advice on getting up a bit later, and don't be afraid to have a short nap when you come home from work to refresh yourself.

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

nothing wrote: »

I've found that being tired has a negative impact on my mood, anxiety and ability to cope. So while the early shift in and of itself may not be the culprit, your routine could be. Sounds like you're planning to follow advice on getting up a bit later, and don't be afraid to have a short nap when you come home from work to refresh yourself.

I do love a good nap in fairness. Im going to set my alarm for about half 5, quarter to 6 in the morning and see how I get on. I'm still leaving myself time to get ready and have something to eat and get to work. Looking at the replies, I'm thinking I was being silly in thinking I was doing myself a favour when in reality I was just making myself worst. I can't cope with the smallest of task and my moods, don't get me started on that.

_Brian

My day shifts used to be 7am-7::20pm
Had to be up at 5, out of house for 5:20 and long commute to work. Home 8:30, bed by 10.

It takes its toll, get as much fresh air as you can, sunlight too when it’s there. That makes a huge difference.

Eat well avoiding getting into too much coffee.

HeidiHeidi

OP, how long is your commute to work? (apologies if you've already said!)

If you're going to set your alarm for later in the morning, make sure you have your routine all worked out and prepared the night before (at least until it becomes blind muscle memory habit, which it is in my case at this stage). If necessary, write the steps down! If you're rigorous about it, you'll eventually be able to get yourself out the door fully suited and booted without even realising it.

Dial Hard

I wouldn't consider a 7am start stupendously early, I did 7-4 as my standard hours for years. As others have said, you're getting up far too early. Shave your morning routine down to the bare minimum. "Pottering" at that hour is beyond silly. Is there an option to have breakfast when you get to work, or perhaps even on a morning break? I'm not really a breakfast eater anyway but there is no way in hell I could eat at that hour of the morning. And lastly, stop checking the time when you wake up during the night, every sleep expert I've ever read agrees that it's a bad idea. Your alarm is set, so just trust that it will go off at the appointed time. Checking the time during the night automatically sets your brain into "I only have X hours of sleep left" panic mode.

ImARebel

try getting one of those lights that wake you up naturally. it helps your body adjust to the whole getting up in a gradual gentle way. My sister uses one as she has to get up at the same time and highly recommends one

the only difference between you and her -> is she's got an hour's drive to get to work for 7!

You're getting up crazy early.considering her commute to get to work at the same time

The Tetrarch

I did that for my last 15 years in work before I retired.
Alarm at 06:00, lie in, leave house at 06:45, drive 13 miles from south Dublin to north Dublin through the city, swipe in before 07:30, half hour for lunch, swipe out at 15:30, drive 13 miles home.
In the evening play poker in a Dublin club from 21:00 to 04:00, drive 4 miles home, get into bed, wake up almost immediately at 06:00, and repeat.
I once played poker to 03:30 or 04:00 three nights in a row and got up at 06:00 when the alarm went off. I won one of those poker tournaments, and came 4th in the other two.
Darn That Alarm was a horse name I liked.

Fiftyfilthy

I’m up every morning mon to fri at 6am and not home until 8pm

Some nights can be asleep on the couch by 10:30 but in general never feel too tired and able to get up in the mornings

Think diet, exercise, etc also plays a big part

t1h9mgqsxopj0r

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

OP, how long is your commute to work? (apologies if you've already said!)

If you're going to set your alarm for later in the morning, make sure you have your routine all worked out and prepared the night before (at least until it becomes blind muscle memory habit, which it is in my case at this stage). If necessary, write the steps down! If you're rigorous about it, you'll eventually be able to get yourself out the door fully suited and booted without even realising it.

As embarrassing as it sounds, it takes me 10 mins to get to work. I don't live that far when driving. M50 is empty and yet I still leave early. Its actually embarrassing how long it takes and I still leave early