Hi anyone. New to forum but not new to cycling. Been road riding about 12 years now. Sprint distance triathlons throughout the 90's got me into the power of the road and been there since. Typically do it for fun and exercise now, so not ultradistance man. Usually 25 mile rides r it now, just enough to enjoy but not get bored. In a bit of a stick. Went to night shift (11-7) 2 months ago and my system's all screwed up. Quit cycling altogether but miss it terribly. Don't want to ride when get off, too tired. Sleep 9 to 3 then wife wants my attention. Nightfall is at 530 now and just dont know what to do. Anyone have any words of wisdom? Motivation loss due to fatigue from body system change (try change to night shift, you'll know what I mean) is the biggest problem I find........over and out........whiner

I know exactly what you are going through. I did the night shift for awhile and it can really screw with you.

I suggest talking with your wife about the need for riding, for your health and mental well being.

I was lucky when I worked the night shift my wife worked 8am to 5pm, so I got a small amount of time with her when I got home and before she had to leave for work.

Then I would get up and go excercise before she got home from work. Was still hard to motivate myself though.

Good luck

I've been working night shift for 10 months now (no not years but still). For me, I commute to work as much as possible on the bike, though it's only 10 miles roundtrip. As for finding time to ride and such, I sometimes go straight from work to a long ride in the mornings and then finish commuting home.
From your situation it seems like you just need to move your internal clock up a bit so that you're tired later in the mornings and go to sleep later. This might not be feasible for you because of family/wife commitments, I'm single so it's okay for me to sleep from 1pm-9pm then get up and go to work and have that window from 7am-1pm to get my biking and exercise in after work. Or invest in a trainer or rollers to be able to ride indoors when you wake up?

When I worked nights (for 7 years) I was a gym rat. I basically lived life the opposite in order to still have a social life and be able to go workout. I would work 12 to 8 be in bed by 8:30 (I had DARK shades, to this day I can't sleep with any light at all, needs to be black like the woods at night) and up by like 3:30 or something to go about my daily business. I found my energy works really well that way and I could train anytime in that evening period. :)

I used to work that shift but I have the same problem with my training now. I wourk 6 - 2 in the morning and go to school in the day. I spend as much time I can on the bike whether it be on the trainer or on the road. For me it is essential to get on the bike for base miles, etc. Sometimes all you can do is squeeze a small 10 or 15 mile ride. Even that will make you feel good.

Found the perfect solution. Requested DAY shift. Will start in about a month. Can't come soon enough so I can get bak in my cycling rythm

Been doing nights for the past 8 years 7PM-7AM. Try to get her to give you an hour ride when you get up. You will feel better thus in a better mood for her. My wife tells to me when I need a ride she says I get cranky :rolleyes:. During the week (in the season) it's impossible for me to get out or commute somedays I have to nap before I drive home let alone bike for a hour. luckily I get 2 sometimes 3 good days of riding in on the weekend as I get alternating 3 and 4 day weekends :).