Our night shift schedule is four on, four off.
Our day shift schedule is 3 on, two off, two on, three off.
Both shifts are 11.5 hour shifts.
The day shift schedule is MUCH preferred by everyone since it allows you to have two weekends off a month.
By day four of the night shift rotation I am a walking Zombie. Im amazed that im able to actually make decisions and function. On the day's that I work I get about five hours of sleep if im lucky and then i take care of the pup, hit the gym and run whatever errands I need to run as well as take care of the house and cars. I have no clue how people have families with this schedule, none, zero, zilch. I commend them for working this schedule and somehow actually being a functional adult.
On my day's off I mostly maintain the same schedule although i try and tire myself out as best as possible so that I can go to sleep with my Fiance. Its hard and I find myself at best usually surfing the web or watching youtube videos until about two AM. If i force myself to get up i can function otherwise im sleeping from 2:00 AM until about 2 PM which sucks as I feel like my days off are mostly spent recuperating versus enjoying my time off. Im not unhappy with the schedule but i cant imagine maintaining this for my entire career. Im a little over three years in and 95% of the three years has been on this night shift schedule. I tip my hat to people that spend the majority of their careers working nights.
Having said all of this, I LOVE the night life and I've always been a night owl so its not too hard to psychologically stomach. The biggest concern that I have is the physiological side effects. There has GOT to be a better way. Im super interested in seeing how this thread pans out. The unfortunate side effect of this thread is that there may be some awesome idea's presented and my agency will NEVER change.
All Hail the .40 cal gods..... :P