Nick, would you accept a little advice from someone who's done 'nights' for years? If possible, try to develop a routine where you stay up after work until mid/late afternoon. Wake up just before work and when you finish the ensuing night shift you're as fresh as a daisy. It's great 'cos you have most of the day free. No good if you've a busy social life as your evenings are spent asleep, but who goes out socialising just before a night shift anyway? The day shift kills me - having to go to bed at a certain time, up with the lark and coming home feeling shocking and thinking about the distant bedtime. Summer, with its attendant heat and light amplify the problem hugely. I'm on nights this week - came home at 0630 and did loads of chores before going into town. Feel bright as a button, having a spot of 'dinner' and will be retiring to bed around 3pm.