NIOSH Training for Nurses on Shift Work and Long Work Hours

Light (Continued)

• Before you leave work or are exposed to any sunlight (such as through atrium windows), put on a pair of blue-light-blocking sunglasses (wraparound style is best). Keep them on until you are in darkness in your bedroom at home. These glasses have a special coating to block the blue wavelength of light that signals your body to begin its circadian daytime.⁷ You can also use very dark sunglasses (see Smith and Eastman⁵). This may help you to sleep a bit longer in the afternoon.
• If you are very sleepy, do not drive. See Module 11 for suggestions for drowsy driving. Some suggestions if you are sleepy:
  • Ask a family member, friend, or coworker to drive you home.
  • Take caffeine then immediately take a short nap before the drive.
  • Take a taxi or use public transportation. Some hospitals pay for a taxi ride home when their nurses are too sleepy to drive safely.
  • Make car pool arrangements.
  • Find a room to sleep in that is close to your workplace.