How to not fall asleep for 2 hours after working full time?
September 24, 2015 12:38 AM Subscribe
Hi I'm a young adult woman im returning to work after health issues I have not worked full time much before it was less than 3 weeks that was about 5 years ago Ive worked more part time but I remember my first day at work I was so cranky at my parents my older brother usually sleeps 1 hour or more after work. Working full time I was a Earlychildhood relief teacher but even though that job can be tiring I would get tired after my lunch break.
Im the type when im real tired from a busy day im negative, dont feel like talking and just want to sleep. Im not a negative person generally. It kinda doesnt matter to me but the long nap after working an 8 hour day when I go back to full time is making me toss up whether I do part time or full time .I think its not the type of work its just me I get tired easily . Id like to not sleep as long as 1.5 hours or 2 hours 1 hour is ok but not after work every day . I want to be awake for family and friends sometimes we have family get togethers I dont know how Ill keep awake or not be real cranky. Im a light sleeper.
Im the type when im real tired from a busy day im negative, dont feel like talking and just want to sleep. Im not a negative person generally. It kinda doesnt matter to me but the long nap after working an 8 hour day when I go back to full time is making me toss up whether I do part time or full time .I think its not the type of work its just me I get tired easily . Id like to not sleep as long as 1.5 hours or 2 hours 1 hour is ok but not after work every day . I want to be awake for family and friends sometimes we have family get togethers I dont know how Ill keep awake or not be real cranky. Im a light sleeper.
Response by poster: I havent got the job yet but one of my narrowed down options is a fruit packer packing fruit . Current shoes are fine .
posted by re at 1:36 AM on September 24, 2015
posted by re at 1:36 AM on September 24, 2015
How long do you sleep at night? What time do you go to bed? Do you sleep well at night?
posted by Omnomnom at 1:56 AM on September 24, 2015
posted by Omnomnom at 1:56 AM on September 24, 2015
Response by poster: Actually thats a good question i think im sleeping too much falling asleep about 10.30pm waking up 8am . I go to bed at 9pm -10pm. I dont think I do sleep well at night some times ,I have jaw problems (TMJ)and clench my teeth during sleep when stressed
posted by re at 2:01 AM on September 24, 2015
posted by re at 2:01 AM on September 24, 2015
Packing fruit all day sounds tiring for anyone especially as a new job.
SInce you're asking in part how to feel less tired, here are things you can try maybe before you decide whether or not to take the job full or part time. You can see if they make you have better energy overall.
Make sure you're drinking a lot of water during the day.
Make sure your lunch isn't full of carbs and sugar or you will crash. Try to eat a lot of vegetables and some healthy protein, not, like, a greasy sandwich on a big white bun and fries. Don't drink anything with sugar.
Get outside, take in some fresh air, and do some stretches. Try to go for a brisk walk when you can during the day.
See if those things improve your energy and mood, maybe it will give you more info on whether you want to try this job full time.
posted by flourpot at 2:51 AM on September 24, 2015 [1 favorite]
SInce you're asking in part how to feel less tired, here are things you can try maybe before you decide whether or not to take the job full or part time. You can see if they make you have better energy overall.
Make sure you're drinking a lot of water during the day.
Make sure your lunch isn't full of carbs and sugar or you will crash. Try to eat a lot of vegetables and some healthy protein, not, like, a greasy sandwich on a big white bun and fries. Don't drink anything with sugar.
Get outside, take in some fresh air, and do some stretches. Try to go for a brisk walk when you can during the day.
See if those things improve your energy and mood, maybe it will give you more info on whether you want to try this job full time.
posted by flourpot at 2:51 AM on September 24, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I just started a new job 3 days ago and I am EXHAUSTED. The work is not physically taxing in any way, and everybody I am working with has been super nice so far. I have PhD and at least theoretically I am highly trained for his job. Nevertheless, I am unbelievably worn out. Meeting new people all day long, learning about completely new issues and projects, trying to settle into my little corner of the office, signing tons of paperwork - it can just wear you out! I've been working full time since 2009 and I'm still way, way more exhausted from the NEWNESS than from the actual job. So maybe give it a few weeks? Starting a new job is hard and stressful!
posted by Cygnet at 3:27 AM on September 24, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by Cygnet at 3:27 AM on September 24, 2015 [6 favorites]
If you know you clench your teeth and can get a bite guard, do!
fwiw, my body's reaction to me feeling stressed is to sleeeeeep! It's like a light switch... Oh, big stressful thing? ZZZZZZZZ Like, my body thinks if it just sleeps long enough stressful thing will be gone when I wake up. It's getting worse as I get older too.
Another thought is that it's part of an adjustment period. When I went back to work after maternity leave I was super tired because I wasn't used to it! It got better after a couple weeks.
I regularly would take hour naps after school all through high school. In college I would sleep through any class held around that time. It could be partly biological programming.
What if you set a timer, and sleep a little less each day until you can take a catnap?
Lastly, the call it work and pay you money to do it for a reason.
posted by jrobin276 at 3:29 AM on September 24, 2015 [2 favorites]
fwiw, my body's reaction to me feeling stressed is to sleeeeeep! It's like a light switch... Oh, big stressful thing? ZZZZZZZZ Like, my body thinks if it just sleeps long enough stressful thing will be gone when I wake up. It's getting worse as I get older too.
Another thought is that it's part of an adjustment period. When I went back to work after maternity leave I was super tired because I wasn't used to it! It got better after a couple weeks.
I regularly would take hour naps after school all through high school. In college I would sleep through any class held around that time. It could be partly biological programming.
What if you set a timer, and sleep a little less each day until you can take a catnap?
Lastly, the call it work and pay you money to do it for a reason.
posted by jrobin276 at 3:29 AM on September 24, 2015 [2 favorites]
So wait, you are not working yet, and thus don't nap. But from experience with part time work five years ago you know that working makes you need another nap. You are worrying that working full time will make you nap even more. Is that correct?
You also sleep 10,5 hours at night, albeit badly.
I don't know. If it were me, I would go to the doctor for sleep problems at night. Maybe you can get a sleep study done?
In the mean time, get the job you want. If you think part time would be easier onyou and you don't needthe money, do that.
You seem very focussed on this problem you had that happened five years ago and might or might not happen again. Deal with it when it happens. And be prepared for feeling super tired for the first few weeks of your new job anyway, because that is completely normal.
posted by Omnomnom at 3:37 AM on September 24, 2015 [11 favorites]
You also sleep 10,5 hours at night, albeit badly.
I don't know. If it were me, I would go to the doctor for sleep problems at night. Maybe you can get a sleep study done?
In the mean time, get the job you want. If you think part time would be easier onyou and you don't needthe money, do that.
You seem very focussed on this problem you had that happened five years ago and might or might not happen again. Deal with it when it happens. And be prepared for feeling super tired for the first few weeks of your new job anyway, because that is completely normal.
posted by Omnomnom at 3:37 AM on September 24, 2015 [11 favorites]
Yes, any new job will make you feel tired for a while because there is so much to take in. And starting to work full time/returning to it also makes you feel very tired for a while until you're used to it. And I mean it's work, they pay you for your time and energy, so you're not meant to feel full of energy at the end of the working day. Not clear from your question but if your only ft work experience was a three week stint 5 yrs ago three weeks is not a long enough adjustment period. So make of these bits of data what you will.
posted by koahiatamadl at 3:44 AM on September 24, 2015
posted by koahiatamadl at 3:44 AM on September 24, 2015
I think its pretty common for people to be really tired after they start a new role. I know its happened to me and have heard others say the same. In my experience it generally passes after a month or so as you fall into a routine. Be gentle on yourself and take the rest where you can get it while you get used to it.
posted by biffa at 4:08 AM on September 24, 2015
posted by biffa at 4:08 AM on September 24, 2015
There have been a lot of studies done on the ideal length of naps, and the general outcome has been somewhere around 20 minutes. So, have a nap when you get home from work, but set an alarm for 20 minutes, or perhaps 30 if it'll take you a few minutes to fall asleep.
Most people approach naps kind of casually, relying on waking up on their own or having someone else around them wake them up, but there's no reason you can't treat a nap like getting up in the morning and use an alarm.
Another alternative might be to spend those 20 minutes doing self-hypnosis or listening to a guided meditation program, which can be almost as refreshing as the actual nap, without actually napping, and might be easier on your overall sleep patterns.
posted by jacquilynne at 5:39 AM on September 24, 2015 [4 favorites]
Most people approach naps kind of casually, relying on waking up on their own or having someone else around them wake them up, but there's no reason you can't treat a nap like getting up in the morning and use an alarm.
Another alternative might be to spend those 20 minutes doing self-hypnosis or listening to a guided meditation program, which can be almost as refreshing as the actual nap, without actually napping, and might be easier on your overall sleep patterns.
posted by jacquilynne at 5:39 AM on September 24, 2015 [4 favorites]
Immediately upon leaving whatever job you have, go do some light exercise. It sounds counter intuitive (especially if you're on your feet all day) but that usually can energize you enough to carry you through until bedtime. Take a nice brisk walk for 30 minutes, eat a healthy dinner, and then go do your evenings' activities.
posted by xingcat at 6:08 AM on September 24, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by xingcat at 6:08 AM on September 24, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'm currently about 3 weeks into a new job and am still pretty ridiculously tired and zoning out in front of the TV every night because I just cannot move. However, I can say from experience that I do think it will level out as I get used to the new routine, new people, and new job duties. For me, it usually takes a month or so to adjust and not feel totally exhausted in a new position. So, whatever you ultimately decide, I would be aware there will likely be a real adjustment period and be gentle on yourself during that time. I'm not sure exactly your situation, but if there's the possibility of going part time at first and then increasing your hours, that might be a good way to ease the transition a little.
I would also try and get your nighttime sleep situation worked out. If you're really sleeping 9-1/2 hours a night and still feeling exhausted and needing to nap (after a few weeks at the new job, that is), I would be concerned that your quality of sleep is very low, and that's something you can certainly work on. Is it possible to do a sleep study or try a night guard?
posted by rainbowbrite at 6:21 AM on September 24, 2015
I would also try and get your nighttime sleep situation worked out. If you're really sleeping 9-1/2 hours a night and still feeling exhausted and needing to nap (after a few weeks at the new job, that is), I would be concerned that your quality of sleep is very low, and that's something you can certainly work on. Is it possible to do a sleep study or try a night guard?
posted by rainbowbrite at 6:21 AM on September 24, 2015
I agree with Omnomnom - if you are sleeping 10 1/2 hours a night, and you still need a nap during the day (especially a one or two hour nap!) - something is not right. See your doctor for a checkup, a full blood panel, and a referral for a sleep test. There are all kinds of things (hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, to name two) that can make you feel like your "sleep tank" can never be filled. It's not normal to sleep over 10 hours a night and still need to sleep for an hour or two during the day.
posted by Rosie M. Banks at 6:23 AM on September 24, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Rosie M. Banks at 6:23 AM on September 24, 2015 [1 favorite]
I think it's a universally accepted fact that, after a long day at work, most people want to recharge their batteries with relaxing activities rather than having to be "on". So I think you may be beating yourself up about something that is absolutely OK.
One thing to know is that, as you get used to your new schedule, this will probably get easier. So go easy on yourself for the first few weeks and don't make demanding social plans after work.
Also, how is your food intake? I find that I get sluggish in the afternoons working a long day, so I try to have an afternoon snack. This helps a lot. Especially since you mention being irritable. How likely is it that you're actually hangry?
After work naps seem kind of weird to me, and it seems more typical to have a brain turned-off activity immediately after getting home, like watching TV, messing around on the internet, video games, reading, etc. Then again, I get home closer to 8 or 9 PM when it would be more appropriate to just go to bed if you're literally fighting off sleep after work. If you're an early childhood teacher getting home around 3PM, I can see a nap making total sense.
If you find that living at home with family and needing to be "on" with them/they don't get that you need to decompress after work is your major issue, what about just going to your room and being alone for an hour or so instead of taking an actual nap?
posted by Sara C. at 3:08 PM on September 24, 2015
One thing to know is that, as you get used to your new schedule, this will probably get easier. So go easy on yourself for the first few weeks and don't make demanding social plans after work.
Also, how is your food intake? I find that I get sluggish in the afternoons working a long day, so I try to have an afternoon snack. This helps a lot. Especially since you mention being irritable. How likely is it that you're actually hangry?
After work naps seem kind of weird to me, and it seems more typical to have a brain turned-off activity immediately after getting home, like watching TV, messing around on the internet, video games, reading, etc. Then again, I get home closer to 8 or 9 PM when it would be more appropriate to just go to bed if you're literally fighting off sleep after work. If you're an early childhood teacher getting home around 3PM, I can see a nap making total sense.
If you find that living at home with family and needing to be "on" with them/they don't get that you need to decompress after work is your major issue, what about just going to your room and being alone for an hour or so instead of taking an actual nap?
posted by Sara C. at 3:08 PM on September 24, 2015
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posted by XMLicious at 1:23 AM on September 24, 2015