Why is my alarm going off at 2:30 a.m.?!
Why is my alarm going off at 2:30 a.m.?!WIBW Blog Listing
Why is my alarm going off at 2:30 a.m.?!
Topic Author: Amanda Lanum
Posted: 9:58 AM May 22, 2009
Replies Posted: 17 comments
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13 News This Morning fans realized this week our Lindsay Shively took a job in Kansas City and sat at the WIBW news desk for the last time Thursday. We're sad to see her go, but happy for the opportunity she now has in a bigger market and being closer to her family.

That hole between Dave and Drew is now being filled by yours truly. Today was my first day at the desk with the guys, and it's actually a great help to waking ME up in the morning.

Switching sleep schedules this week has proved quite a task. My body continues to fight my new 8:00 bedtime. I get up around 2:30a.m. then stay up all day and still, when I try to go to bed it takes forever for my mind and body to just chill out and sleep.

You 3rd shifters - or anyone out there! - have advice on getting a good night's sleep going to bed so early? And once I hit 7:30ish to 11 I'm dragging again... any energy boosting ideas?
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  • by Scott Location: Emporia, Kansas on Jul 22, 2009 at 06:10 AM
    I have worked the 'dark' shift for over 6 years and sleeping during the day is still not easy. Some of the things I have found that help a wee bit is to not nap during your waking hours, wear a sleeping mask to keep out light (and ear plugs if it gets too noisy) and burn a jasmine scented candle. If none of that helps, try Advil PM or something like that...or a beer for breakfast.

    I think Dave tries beer... or something stronger... JUST KIDDING! Good advice. Thanks, Scott.

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  • by Anonymous on Jun 22, 2009 at 11:21 AM
    To help you with your extra boost through the day - make sure you have fruit with you. Banana's, apples, grapes, are good energy booster.
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  • by Steve Location: Manhattan on Jun 10, 2009 at 11:42 AM
    I used to work "The Early Shift" at a local Home Store here and know that getting used to getting up at 2a.m. just doesn't seem normal. I would get off in the aerly afternoon so it was nice so you could get your running around done, but just dopn't sit down 'cause you will be out like a light! Believe it or not, I found the best way to get used to it was by eating a healthy breakfast about 30 minutes after you got up and just basically "Move" your day back a few hours. Kudo's to the turn off your phone. Had friends that got tired of me calling them at 2 a.m. because they called me at 9 or 10 in the evening. Great having you on in the mornings. You have a tough row to how with those "Other" two you have with you in the mornings. Good Luck!!!

    Thanks Steve!

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  • by casey Location: topeka on Jun 8, 2009 at 03:31 PM
    i usually laydown at 7pm and get up at 9pm for work id say for u to go to bed at 530pm amanda i work the 3rd shift
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  • by Richard Location: topeka on Jun 4, 2009 at 08:21 PM
    worked the hootowl shift for several years. Here are my tips for you. Have the bedroom dark,this may require additional window coverings. Eat lite before bedtime. Stay away from heavy dinners before bed. Eat well in the morning.. this will give the energy that you will need to keep up with the boys. Try to relax just before bedtime. May I suggest a warm bath with bath oil beads, a dvd of barry white playing low, some sented candles and lastly, a glass of barringer white zinfindel. This should remedy your problems with sleep quite well.
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  • by Melissa Location: Topeka on Jun 2, 2009 at 01:57 PM
    My fiancee and I both work the overnight shift. As far as getting to sleep... first we turn the ringer off on the phones. I like to take a hot shower before getting ready for bed, but he usually waits til he gets up. The best advice I can give you is cover your windows with a blanket or foil. I know it looks ghetto, but it will really help. Then get comfy in bed with a good book (reading always makes me sleepy) or turn on the tv and relax. As far as getting that "2nd wind" you need while working, getting up, going to the bathroom, and even splashing your face with cool water always seems to help for me. Good luck with the new sleep schedule, and try to keep those wild boys in line!
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  • by sherrell Location: 1312swpolk on May 30, 2009 at 10:58 AM
    i use to work 3 shift in wichita amanda i got use of it i sleep from 6.00pm to8.00pm sherrell
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  • by Diane Location: Topeka on May 28, 2009 at 06:06 AM
    when you are ready for bed take a hot bath,get in your pj's,turn off the phone(people used to call me @ 8:30p.m. and ask ru sleeping?) I replyed do u want me to call u @ 2 in the morning? make sure you close the curtains,it is going to be hard this summer
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  • by Barb Location: Topeka on May 26, 2009 at 10:56 PM
    Amanda, Good luck on your new assignment, try to keep those 2 guys out of trouble, but I think it is a lost cause, just join in with them, early news is so great, very relaxed and great to wake up to. Good Luck!!!!!

    Thanks Barb! =)

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  • by Eric Location: Topeka on May 25, 2009 at 07:37 AM
    I've done this for 20 years, amazingly enough. I do use melatonin but I also like to either turn on a ball game on the radio, or put on some soft music - I have one disc in particular that seems to help. It will take time but being on this schedule won't be permanent for you. I know you will do the best you can, on and off the air. Good luck!
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  • by David Location: Silver Lake on May 24, 2009 at 09:46 PM
    Please keep Dave in line. God bless you sleep routine. You will do a great job.

    Ha, I'll do my best!

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  • by Gwen Location: Meriden on May 23, 2009 at 08:39 AM
    Sorry to see Lindsay go, but got a great replacement in you. Glad to see a hometown girl on the TV. We'll look foreward to seeing lots of you in the morning. Give Dave and Drew trouble as much as you can.

    Thanks! And I plan on it ;).

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  • by Brian Dorman Location: Joplin on May 22, 2009 at 09:18 PM
    Hey Amanda! Congrats! You will be great in the morning. You know, I don't have this trouble working 2pm-11pm. LOL. How about, alcohol!! That should do the trick! I think once you do it for a couple of weeks you will adjust fine. Ask Drew what he does. He is always wound up 100mph...surely he has bed time advice. ;0)

    Hey Brian! You might be right; I've considered a glass of wine... that always makes me a little sleepy!

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  • by Craig Location: Topeka, KS on May 22, 2009 at 04:15 PM
    Amanda, it was hard for me when working the 11 to 7 shift and now working the 2 to 10 shift at night. Just keep yourself busy and don't try to push yourself to hard at first. It will take some time for body to adjust but you will adjust and do even greater at your work. Good luck.

    Thanks Craig. I'm thinking I'll just have to give it time!

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  • by Barbara Location: Lyndon on May 22, 2009 at 10:58 AM
    Good Luck Amanda! I know you will do a great job!

    Thanks Barbara!

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