Graveyard shift

So I have a problem and I am wondering if anyone can help me. I work graveyard 7pm – 7am. I try to sleep from 9:00 – 2:00 if the kids are in school. My problem is I am up for 19 or 20 hours a day, so 5 small meals is nor enough sometimes. Any suggestion?  

sleep more.

nap before you go to work or after meals. 

I work about the same shift. On days I'm awake that much I allow myself a few more calories. I figure I must be burning more just by being up that much. (Although from what I've read about sleep deprivation and metabolism, I think I'm wrong on that.)

I've found that since I can't have normal mealtimes grazing works for me. I suppose I must eat 12 times a day, but usually it is a handful of carrots or 1 slice of toast. That is what I would suggest, especially at the end of a shift like that. It is important to be filled up on veggies when you are as tired as you must be. When you are sleep deprived, it is too easy to eat carrot cake instead of just carrots.

I think you are right I need to eat more small snacks. I was eating cherry tomatoes and string cheese, but after looking up the calorie count I stopped. I am only supposed to have 1200 calories a day. I really think that you gain more weight when you are sleep deprived LOL

Do not eat before going to bed!  I lost 17 pounds in 3 weeks just by not eating when I got home from work at 5 A.M. without being hungry at all.