Running Whilst Doing Night Shifts? How do you do them?!

[BethanDavies]

I'm working nights for the next 4 days (Friday - Monday), finishing Tuesday morning. I want to know how you guys manage to fit in your runs even though you're tired?!

I find that I lack a lot of energy when doing night shifts throughout the evening. I generally sleep between 10 - 4 and even then, 6 hours is barely any sleep. Normally I'm sleep for a solid 7-8 hours a night and those 2 hours really make a difference when I'm working but this just doesn't seem to happen when I'm on night shifts.

Before, during night shifts, I have managed to wake up around 4:30 and head out for a run around 5pm. This seemed to work but I'm genuinely afraid that i'm going to tire myself out. Should I wait to sleep later and do the run in the morning before bed? I just don't know!

Help please?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I don’t do nights but I started the programme in the summer heat and ran late evening and not long before bed. I found it helped me sleep to be honest, and even when tired I had energy once I’d got into my stride. Others feel a benefit from running before breakfast and get an energy boost after. Maybe just run one of the 4 days... so rest, run, rest, rest for the 4 nights?

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

I find sometimes if I run right before bed, I struggle with winding down and falling asleep. I try to run a few hours before bed to avoid this, but everyone is different. You'll have to see what works for you. I don't work nights, but am on call so sometimes end up working through the night. I find I have to be kind to myself when that happens and take an extra rest day or just go for an easy run and not push it too hard. Working nights is tough, so take care and find what works for you.