Security guards play a vital role at the locations they oversee, but the graveyard shift is incredibly difficult. Staying awake and alert enough to protect the place and people in the dead of night is no easy feat. It’s no surprise that many night-shift security guards struggle to stay awake. With a few simple tips, it is possible to stay alert even during the drawn-out downtime of the night-shift.
Sleep During the Day
Working nights is hard, you are operating on a totally different schedule. The night-shift is especially difficult if it is not something that you do regularly. However, one major key to being able to stay up all night is to get enough sleep beforehand. Prepare yourself for the night shift by sleeping during the day.
Stay Active During the Job
If you sit and stare at a screen or the wall all night, it will be nearly impossible to stay awake. Instead, make sure to stimulate your mind by moving around. The trade-off with a partner to walk around, or walk within the perimeters of your job. Do a couple of quick movement exercises to get your heart rate up.
Hydrate and Fuel
Dehydration and hunger make it harder to stay awake. Keep yourself well hydrated and fueled. Bring a large water bottle and make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the shift. A couple of small, healthy snacks can also help you stay alert.
Engage Your Mind
Boredom amplifies tiredness, keeps your mind engaged. You can do this by imaging scenarios and how you would respond. You can also review some important documents or paperwork. Pay close attention to your senses on the job, and analyze what you can smell or the noises you hear. Honing in on your senses keeps your brain more active.
Work for a Company that Trains
Far too often, security guards are left to just figure it out for themselves. They are not always taught the best techniques and strategies for correctly executing their jobs, especially over the night-shift.
Extrity spends the time and energy to accurately train all of our Philadelphia, Tennessee, and Chicago security guard. Whether you’re looking for celebrity security in Philadelphia, or event security in Chicago, our guards receive the best education, including strategies for staying awake during the night shift. As a guard, you can count on having the tools and knowledge to do your job right. As a client, you can count on having the best guards around. To learn more about our security services, to apply for our team, or to hire security services, contact Extrity HERE.