Typical Third Shift Hours and How to Survive

Apr 4, 2011
Adam Fonseca

For many companies, third shift hours are also commonly referred to as the "graveyard shift". Follow a few simple steps to stay healthy during these shifts.

For many people, working third shift is a great way to pick up a second job or additional income. Third shift can also work well for people who have other responsibilities during the "normal" work day, such as being a parent or working a separate full-time day job. While third shift is often an overnight position, the hours designated for this shift can differ from one employer to the next. Depending on the type of business an employee is in, third shift may or may not require the individual to work through the night.

Third Shift Hours Take Place in the Evening

The third shift is sometimes called the graveyard shift and might require overnight hours in the example of many different companies. However, some companies break shifts down to six-hour time slots for more manageable work periods. This means that in a typical six-hour work shift, an employee will be working from 6 p.m. to midnight during the week. These times can differ from one company to the next, however, especially if the company is open 24 hours (as is the case for many diners and factories).

Health Concerns When Working Third Shift

Working later hours can be trying for most people, especially if they have other responsibilities during the day like watching your kids or even another job. As such, individuals may begin to experience a great deal of fatigue or "work burnout" after working the third shift in consecutive days. Coffee consumption during this time to stay alert or awake can help; however, drinking too much coffee or caffeine can dehydrate one's body over time.

Furthermore, coffee or other energy drinks contain other additives and ingredients that can become harmful when consumed in high quantities. Poor sleep habits, including the inability to sleep for a recommended eight hours a night, can also take its toll on a person's mental and physical well-being over time.

Tips on How to Make Third Shift More Manageable

While working third shift, individuals are likely to experience darkness as nighttime hours make their way into a typical work shift. Illuminating one's work area with light can help combat a body's natural tendency to slow down and rest at night. Staying active during third shift as opposed to sitting in place can also keep a person awake and alert. Depending on the employee's position, staying busy by cleaning around his or her work area or taking inventory can also assist with this task.

Other Considerations to Keep in Mind

Despite working later hours than most other workers, a person will still need to supply his body with adequate nutrition and rest even when working the third shift. Most individuals require the recommended eight hours of sleep a day, so be sure to plan your off-work time accordingly to allow for this amount of rest. One's weekly social life may also need to be altered to account for a third-shift work schedule.

Third shift, while not one of the more attractive employment hour situations, can be a fitting option for individuals with other responsibilities during the day. In addition, many companies who offer third shift hours will likely have a lower candidate pool for the evening, thus increasing the likelihood of being hired in many cases.