Secondly, the sleep they induce is of a different quality to natural sleep and many find that it is not as refreshing. Thirdly, taking medication long term is not a good idea. Melatonin plays some part in sleep control and the body clock. There is not yet a clear solution to getting good sleep while on shift work, but the best way to deal with it is to do things which help the body clock to re-align. Some people claim that if you eat the right sort of foods that can help you to adjust.
Exercise can help sort out body rhythms.
You should start your new 'day' with some sort of gentle exercise. Recent studies have shown that a short period of sleep in the middle of a night shift can help maintain work performance later in the shift. Follow sleep hygiene rules You must also try to ensure that the sleep you do get is good quality sleep. Make sure that your bedroom is peaceful, not too hot, and is well ventilated. Let your employers know that you are having problems adjusting to short shifts - they may be able to help, as may your doctor.