Tips for Sleep as Others Work

Shift workers, people who work unconventional hours, often say they have trouble getting enough sleep. But the experts say that while shift workers cannot turn day into night, they can take some steps to improve their adjustment to the odd hours they keep.

Here are some tips:

* Sleep in a dark, cool, quiet room.

* Use an answering machine to handle telephone calls.

* Avoid caffeine, and eat lightly for several hours before bedtime.

* Maintain at least some of the same sleep hours on days off.