---
title: "12-Hour Days: Tips for Getting Through a Long Shift"
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/12-hour-days-tips-for-getting-through-a-long-shift/"
type: post
date_published: 2012-10-10
date_modified: 2012-10-10
schema:
  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 362
reading_time: 2 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/12-hour-days-tips-for-getting-through-a-long-shift/"
categories:
  - "Health & Wellness"
topic:
  - Medical Assisting
---

# 12-Hour Days: Tips for Getting Through a Long Shift

There are many great benefits of working in the allied health field – the
satisfaction of helping others, making an impact in the lives of your patients,
and the excitement that comes with working in a medical facility, just to name a
few. There are, however, a number of challenges as well. One such challenge for
many healthcare professionals is the long hours, especially for those who
regularly work shifts of 12 hours or more. Next time you find yourself working
into the wee hours, keep these tips in mind:

- **Make sure you are eating plenty of healthy and high-energy foods** to make
  it through the day. Stay away from the vending machines and, instead, plan
  ahead. Bring portion-sized containers of pasta and sandwiches, and keep foods
  on hand to snack on throughout the day, like fresh fruits, veggies, and nuts.

- **Take care of yourself with nutritional supplements**, like fish oil and
  vitamin B. Omega-e fatty acids are crucial to brain cell development, and
  vitamin B has been shown to enhance memory and decrease fatigue.

- **Avoid drinking coffee**. While caffeine may provide a quick burst of energy,
  you will find yourself crashing a few hours later – eventually you will be
  tired no matter how much coffee you drink.

- **Remember to get plenty of sleep**. For those working nights, try to make
  your home as dark as possible to simulate the time of day when one typically
  goes to bed. Health professionals who often work at night or work irregular
  shifts are at risk of developing Shift Work Sleep Disorder, or SWSD. It is
  important to create for yourself a dark, quiet environment that promotes
  uninterrupted sleep.

So whether you’re a
[Medical Assistant](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/all-programs/medical-assisting/become-medical-assistant/)
working a long, hectic day at an urgent care clinic or a
[Pharmacy Technician](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/all-programs/pharmacy-technician/how-to-become-a-pharmacy-technician/)
working the counter at a 24-hour drug store, try out a few of these helpful
hints for maintaining your energy and staying on your toes during an extended
shift.

---

_Information in this blog post is accurate as of October 10, 2012._

**Categories:** Health & Wellness