Tips for Healthcare Workers to Maximize Sleep During COVID-19
Tips for Healthcare Workers to Maximize Sleep During COVID-19
During one of my shifts last week I felt so tired all I wanted to do was to take a quick nap. However the patients kept coming in and they needed my attention
Healthcare workers are currently working around the clock to take care of those affected by covid19. This means that many may not be getting enough sleep. They may also be sleeping in unfamiliar environments to avoid exposing the people they live with to the virus and are likely experiencing high levels of stress lack of sleep due to long hours night shifts and increased stress can throw off your body's biological sleep cues and impair your ability to make decisions think critically and even perform patient care related tasks and even medical procedures.
While the best way to prevent sleep deprivation is to ensure that you're getting enough sleep every night. That's not always realistic. As a health care worker on the frontline. When you have to work at night or for long periods at a time take these steps to stay alert. If you get the chance for 20 to 30 minute nap during your shift taking. A quick nap can help you return to work more alert and ready to provide better care. However be sure not to sleep longer than 45 minutes. As you may enter deep sleep and wake up Even groggy or than before.
Tried to maintain a meal routine by eating every several hours when you're awake. Use caffeine in moderation. Light is one of the most effective tools for regulating sleepiness as much as possible expose yourself to light to stay awake. Just as light helps you stay awake. Darkness helps you fall asleep. Make sure your sleeping environment is dark and comfortable. In particular avoid the blue light that comes from electronic devices for one to two hours before bedtime. An extra benefit from limiting time on your phone before bed is that you also cut back on social media and news consumption which can help you avoid even more stimulation that could disrupt your sleep.
Pack a bag in case you're too tired to drive or travel home after his shift. Some things you may want to include toothbrush and toothpaste, Soap, Deodorant, Earplugs.
And eye mask or even a neck pillow. If there's not a place to lie down. When you have time off and get the chance to sleep. Here are some tips to maximize risk. It might be easy to sleep especially long hours when you're off to try to catch up on sleep. But try to stick to some kind of sleep schedule. If you can't fall asleep because your mind is racing or you're stressed try relaxation training which involves consciously focusing on the relaxation warmth and heaviness of your body. Try our guided meditation video. If you are having trouble falling asleep and have time to sleep for at least eight hours taking melatonin may be helpful. If it's often hard for you to get out of bed fall asleep or sleep without waking consider speaking to a mental health professional
The work that healthcare staff are doing right now is heroic. That being said no one is invincible. To take care of others you have to first take care of yourself.
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