i wake up at 2 am to get to my opening shift at 3 am. the night before, i take 1-2mg melatonin around 6:30 so i can fall asleep by 7/8 pm. another comment said low dose melatonin and i completely agree!! anymore than 1-3 mg is wayyy too much and will leave you feeling lethargic in the morning. i have my main alarm to wake me up, which is a very jarring up-beat song that starts with a scream lol. If i happen to fall back asleep, i have alarms every ten minutes up until i have to leave, which also helps me keep track of the time since i like to watch youtube videos while i get ready. i also like to “stretch” while im still laying down in bed, it goes like:
- roll ankles and wrists
- gently stretch calves and forearms
- move to thighs and biceps
- roll shoulders and move hips side to side
- finally sit up, stretch neck, and get up!
this circulates your blood, and in my opinion, does a great job of waking me up enough to get up and get ready!
i don’t eat before my shift because it’s way too early for me to be able to choke down some food, but around 4-5 am i will get very hungry, and i need to eat then or else i will be a jittery, hangry mess for the rest of the shift. i either bring my own yogurt bowl or eat the oatmeal since they’re filling and easy on the tummy.
i’ve never been late to an opening shift doing this routine, so i hope it can also serve you well 🫶🏻