AS IF PARENTHOOD ISN?T challenging enough, these days, most parents must weave in study time, quality and play time, PTA (parent-teacher association) time, and medical and dental check-ups within their work schedule.

A growing number of parents must do this balancing act while working nights. A working mom myself, I feel tired, guilty about not being home when my kids come home from school. But at least I get home by dinner.

How do parents who work nights do it? We talked to some who have been there, done that?lived to tell their tale.

What kind of job do you have and why do you need to work at night?

Pauline Fojas (28, mom to 5-year-old Dan Theodore):

I used to work at night because I had three jobs all at the same time. In the morning, I taught pre-school. In the afternoon, I give tutorials. And at night, I did home-based call center work until 3 a.m.

Chesca (39, mom to four kids, ages 13, 11, 9 and 6):

I work for a consulting firm where we have clients from other parts of the world so their daytime is my nighttime. I am working on a project that sometimes requires me to be in the office anytime between 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Mary (56, mom to two 30something ?kids?):

I worked the night shift as a nurse in a hospital because that was the only shift available when I started. I also agreed to work this shift ?to get my foot in the door? and because of the pay.

Marko Fojas (Pauline?s husband) (29, dad to 5-year-old Dan Theodore):
I used to work as a call center agent. Since the nature of the industry is 24/7, agents are required to take different shifts, including nights.

What is the most difficult part about this schedule?

Pauline: Working at night is physically stressful, especially if you get to sleep a maximum of two hours a day. The most difficult was to learn how to eat quick so you can still make lesson plans and activity sheets.

Chesca: It physically takes a toll on you. I?m not getting any younger and it?s really hard to force your body to go to sleep when you come home and the sun is up. Not having a common ?awake? time with the family is terribly difficult. You feel like you are missing out on their lives and during the weekends, you feel guilty for wanting to sleep so you try to force yourself to stay awake to spend time and bond with the husband and kids.
I used to think it won?t be that hard to work at night, since the kids will be asleep. I didn?t realize the consequences of coming home early morning which means you would be asleep by the time the kids come home from school.

Mary: The worst thing about this was that I was so sleep-deprived, my circadian rhythm was off. Those days were the worst of my working life. I was unable to function to my full potential not only as a nurse, but most of all as a parent. I would do it again only if it meant life or death for my kids and me. A single parent, I used to worry about leaving my kids at home, especially at night.

Marko: The lack of sleep was the biggest challenge. The night shift tends to be very busy since those were the peak hours at work. I remember being so tired that I fell asleep while talking to a caller at one point!

What tips can you offer moms and dads who have to work nights?

Pauline: Always think long-term. Learn how to manage your hours. Think about your motivation; keep it in your heart so you don?t feel stressed out. You should also go to Mass once a week and thank God for his blessings.

Chesca: Try to find someone in the family (aside from your partner/husband) who can look after your kids while you?re at work. It makes a difference if someone is around whom you can trust. I?m very lucky because I live with my parents. At least I have peace of mind that they are in good hands while I?m at work.

Marko: I think foresight is the best way anyone can cope. I should have made arrangements to get a nanny before my son was born. Try requesting your supervisor to move you to a different shift. It?s easier said than done, but the worst that will happen is for them to say no.

Mary: Keep communication lines open at all times. Even when you are tired, make sure your children have your attention, especially when they want to talk. Listen to what they are saying. Spend quality time together on your days off. Plan your activities. Ask for everyone?s input. Involve the children in decision-making. Always be on the lookout for a job that will suit your family life better.

Dangers of sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation is far more dangerous than we think. According to studies by Stanford University, staying awake for 17-19 hours straight is as dangerous as being legally drunk. It is so dangerous, in fact, that the Guinness Book of Records removed the record for staying awake in 1989.

Each year, in the US alone, more than 1,500 deaths are caused by driver fatigue. Other dangers of sleep deprivation are: increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and willingness to take risks.

For those who work at call centers and hospitals, sleep deprivation is more often the norm than the exception. While it is best to go home and get some sleep after a graveyard, there are times you need to stay awake to feel like you have a normal life.

So how do you stay awake and alert when you must catch up with family, friends and loved ones (without the caffeine)?

Eat. Digestion uses up a lot of energy, so counteract this by eating smaller meals every few hours. Avoid high-fat food because these take longer to digest. Eat high-energy food instead like eggs, yogurt, nuts, vegetables, sunflower seeds, beans, fruits, fruit juice and carbohydrates to keep your body fueled. Power up on vitamins: Vitamin D, selenium, riboflavin, niacin, and the B-vitamins pantothenic acid, folic acid, thiamine and vitamin

Water is good. A no-brainer, but we often take this natural resource for granted. Dehydration causes fatigue and drinking lots of water will do wonders to keep you awake. Take a cold shower to perk you up; wash your face with cold water for an instant boost.

Take power naps. Some of us prefer not to nap because it leaves us feeling drowsier. But limiting your nap to 15 minutes will give you renewed energy since you have not yet entered your regular sleep cycle. So take a catnap to get you through the day.

Deep-breathing exercises. This increases oxygen levels in the blood and helps reduce stress, which causes fatigue. Inhale for five seconds, hold your breath for four seconds and exhale for another four seconds.

Acupressure. Apply pressure to points known to energize: top of the head, both sides of the top of the neck, the back of the hands, between the thumb and forefinger, about four fingers below the knees, bottom of the feet in the center below the balls. Try applying pressure to the roof of your mouth with your tongue and pulling down on or rubbing your earlobes.

Source: www.mahalo.com