Caffeine addicted third shifter, help!

[momofcaz]

I get very sporadic sleep, as I work part time on third shift (only option right now, between family and school). Therefore I have found it necessary to ingest large amounts of caffeine, not to mention sweeteners in the pop/coffee/ energy drinks (low carb) both before and during my shift.

I want to quit, I do. I think I'm stalling from all of it. But I'm terrified I'm going to fall asleep at work, along with the detox from it.

Can anyone relate? Any ideas how to go about it as painlessly as possible?

Thanks in advance!

[not2late]

Years ago, I kicked the caffeine habit!

What I did was wean myself off the stuff slowly. For example, my coffee was 3/4 regular and 1/4 decaf for a week or two. Then I went to 1/2 regular and 1/2 decaf for another week or two. Then I went to 1/4 regular and 3/4 decaf for another week or two. Then finally I went to 100% decaf.

You might get headaches and feel crappy (no other way to describe it) but you have to remember that you are kicking a substance dependency.

Also, be sure to get enough sleep at bedtime. So you are fully refreshed when you awake.

Good luck to you. It's possible to kick the caffeine habit!

[momofcaz]

Thanks. I sleep when I can, but it changes when that is day to day. Hence the caffeine problem. Sometimes it's 3 hours, sometimes it's 6.

[Dotultimate]

Hey.

I worked rotating shifts for 3 years, so i know how you're feeling. I'd work 6am to 2pm, go home until 10pm and then work until 8am etc. 3 times a week i'd do 16 hour shifts with 8 hours off between.

And you know what?

Coffee saved my freaking life!

The thing about coffee and atkins is that it causes many people to crave things. So my advice (other people will not agree) is that as long as you've got control over what you're eating - drink away.

What IS going to be a problem are all those sodas and artificial sweeteners. Those are bad bad news and will not only stop you from loosing weight, but they're also make you sick (long term).

It is OPTIMAL not to drink coffee, but when you're a shift worker, it's completely impractical. Your body isnt built to sleep at funny times and if you need a kick to keep you awake at work, then let your self be kicked.

What you should do is this:

Regardless of whether you like it - only drink black coffee.

Do not drink sodas or things with sweeteners. Get caffine, if you have to have it, from coffee only as its a much more pure source.

if you're just drinking black coffee and avoiding sweeteners you're in a much better position.

hope that helps.

[Neecy]

I too, used to be a caffeine addict. Coffee, soda, chocolate, you name it. I'd down Jolt cola by the case. I slowly weaned myself off it, and found that not2late has the right idea - just gradually cut back and you'll be able to wean yourself off it.