r/Firefighting • u/c00kieduster • 4d ago

General Discussion Cannot sleep at the station anymore

15 years in, company officer at a suburb dept of 4 stations, 100ish people, 48/96. We average 4-5 in a 24 hr period, sometimes 1-2, sometimes 12-16.

It’s not all that uncommon for us to get to sleep through the night. However, in the last year or 2, I simply cannot sleep through the night. Even without calls, I’m getting up 2-3 times. Usually it’s a toss and turn, occasionally I’ll get up to go to bathroom but that’s not the reason.

When I’m at home, my head hits the pillow and unless something wakes me up, I sleep like a baby.

Anyone experience this? Got any tips?

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u/R1CHARDCRANIUM Firefighter/EMT/Rescue Diver 4d ago

I started wearing earbuds to sleep at the station. With a headband to keep them in place. I just play noise. It’s helped. I also found out I have apnea but I don’t bring my cpap to the station. Some guys do.

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u/reddaddiction 4d ago

That seems so high risk of missing a call to me.

1

u/R1CHARDCRANIUM Firefighter/EMT/Rescue Diver 4d ago

The tones are loud and all the fluorescent lights kick on. If someone doesn’t wake up, others will make sure you’re awake in unpleasant ways.

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u/reddaddiction 4d ago

Yeah, I go with one earbud just to be safe.