Shift work does present some roadblocks to regular eating and nutrition. With a little planning and effort one can lower the risk of health problems and feel better overall.
Common Problems In A Night Shift
If you have been working the night shift, you may have already experienced some of these common problems:
- Change in your appetite
- Trouble falling asleep or getting a good night’s sleep
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Constipation, diarrhea, or gas
- Indigestion, heartburn, or stomach ulcers
- High blood pressure
Nutritional Tips For The Night Shift
The good news is that by eating well and staying active you can avoid some of these problems. Follow these nutrition tips to stay healthy, alert, and feel your best at work and home.
Here are 10 tips that will help you:
- Eat your “main meal” before going to work
- Pack your own healthy snacks
- Avoid fatty, fried, or spicy foods
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks
- Take your time eating
- Stay well hydrated
- Watch the caffeine
- Avoid alcohol
- Have a light snack before bedtime
- Maintain a healthy body weight
Eat your “main meal” before going to work
If you are on the afternoon shift, have your main meal at mid-day around noon. If you are on the evening shift, eat your main meal at about 6 pm before you go to work.
Have a small meal and healthy snacks during your shift. Eating large meals during the night can cause heartburn, gas, or constipation. It can also make you feel sleepy and sluggish. Be careful not to overeat on the job.
Pack your own healthy snacks
It can be difficult to find healthy snacks during the afternoon and night shifts. The cafeteria may be closed. Vending machines may only carry salty or high fat snacks, and high calorie sugary drinks.
Examples of good snacks are an apple with a small piece of low fat cheese or a handful of nuts with low fat yogurt.
Avoid fatty, fried, or spicy foods
Foods such as hamburgers, fried chicken, and spicy chili may lead to heartburn and indigestion. Eating too much fat can also increase your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Also Check: Maintaining Work-Life Balance While Working In Shifts
Avoid sugary foods and drinks
You may feel a quick boost of energy after having a chocolate bar or sugary soft drink. This feeling doesn’t last long and you may experience low energy levels later on. Enjoy nutritious snacks and beverages instead to stay alert and keep your energy up.
Take your time eating
Don’t rush when you eat. You deserve your break, so enjoy every single bite of your meals and snack! If possible, eat with your co-workers for some company.
Stay well hydrated
Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. It may help you to stay alert and not feel so tired during your shift.
Keep a water bottle nearby and take sips even before you feel thirsty. Low fat milk, tea, unsweetened herbal tea, and low sodium 100% vegetable juices are other nutritious beverages that you can drink. Watch the amount of 100% fruit juice you drink because the calories can add up quickly.
Watch the caffeine
Drinking coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages can help you stay alert but don’t consume more than 400 mg of caffeine a day. That is about the amount of caffeine found in 4 small cups of regular coffee.
Caffeine can stay in your system for up to eight hours. This can affect your sleep.
Switch to decaffeinated drinks, unsweetened herbal tea or water about four hours before bedtime.
Avoid alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol after work and when you get home. A drink may make you feel more relaxed, but alcohol can disturb your sleep.
Also Check: Making Sleep Hygiene A Priority For Shift Workers
Have a light snack before bedtime
It’s hard to fall asleep when you’re too hungry or too full. If you’re still hungry after work, eat a small healthy snack before bedtime.
Try a bowl of whole grain cereal with milk or a piece of whole grain toast with jam. If you’re too full at bedtime try cutting out a snack during your shift.
Maintain a healthy body weight
Healthy eating and active living play a big role in helping you reach and maintain a healthy weight. When you have a healthy body weight, you’ll lower your chances of getting heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
Special Considerations
Stick to your routine
On your days off try to eat and sleep around the same times that you would if you were working your shift. That way your “internal clock” stays on schedule. Talk to the company’s occupational health nurse about the best sleeping schedule for you.
Eat together
Whenever possible, try to eat at least one meal a day with your family. Families who eat together actually eat healthier and more well-balanced meals. Mealtimes are a great time to connect with each other too!
Keep active
Good nutrition and fitness go hand in hand. Keep active to:
- Improve your mood
- Stay fit
- Manage stress
- Sleep better
- Re-energize yourself while at work
Take a stretch break. Walk up a few flights of stairs or go for a brisk walk.
Stay in touch
Working shifts can be stressful on your social and family lives. Keep in touch with your spouse and kids every day. Plan your vacation days in advance to attend family activities and events.
Conclusion
Working at night can take a toll on your health but knowing how to cope with the challenges is the key. Start with setting your nutrition right and adopt a healthy lifestyle to keep issues at bay.
