sswing shifts and sleep

[2BIGFRED]

I work 12 hour swing shifts for work.I have been doing this for 3 years now and ever since I started my sleep sucks.My body does not know when to sleep.I have tried the natural stuff melatonin,valerian root, and gaba none of it worked.So I finally went to my Dr. and he gave me ambien and xanax to take (my Dr is a good Dr and doesnt freak out when you need something).He said he understood about the swing shifts as he works in the ER a lot.I tried the xanax first and .5mg did nothing then 1mg nothing then 2mg would put me out for about 2 hours then im up.Well the ambien knocks me out helps me sleep and I feel great in the mornings.I hate to have to take this stuff but it seems its my only choice becaue I love my job and I have a family!On my days off I try not to take anything but sometimes I will have too or I will be up all night.My question is does anybody on here have to take ambien and does anyone have any suggestions or see anything wrong with the ambien.


Thanks

 

[CO-B16]

No luckily not yet.....Ive been on the graveyard shift (12am-8am) for a little over a year and melatonin still works for me.....How much sleep do you try and get every day??? Im lucky to get 6.5-7 hours on work days.....i would kill for 8 hours but that is just not going to happen....

 

[Jester]

yes... been on the DuPont schedule for 8 years.
ambien, lunesta, just about every night.
just stay away from the benzos..... some of the nastiest withdrawl symptoms I have ever seen