Nights in numbers
| Pattern | Night shifts a year | Longest run of nights | Days off after nights | Night shift length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day, night, 2 off | 91 | 1 | 2 | 12 h |
| 4 on 4 off (2 days, 2 nights, 4 off) | 91 | 2 | 4 | 12 h |
| 4 days, 4 nights, 4 off each | 91 | 4 | 4 | 12 h |
| Pitman 2-2-3 | 91 | 3 | 2 to 3 | 12 h |
| DuPont | 91 | 4 | 3 (then 7 off once a cycle) | 12 h |
| Continental (5 teams) | 73 | 2 | 4 | 8 h |
| Weekly rotation (Mon–Fri) | 87 | 5 | weekend | 8 h |
| 24/48 | 122 duties | 1 | 2 | 24 h |
Numbers are yearly averages for one team. With four teams the nights are shared equally, so each team covers a quarter of all nights.
What it means
- The number of teams decides the nights, not the pattern. Four teams always means about 91 nights. Only a fifth team brings it down (73).
- Run length is the real difference. Day/night means one night at a time; DuPont and 4 days, 4 nights mean four in a row.
- Days off after nights. Most people sleep through the first day off after nights, so patterns with four days off after the nights feel more restful.
Getting through night shifts
- Sleep straight after the shift – dark, quiet, same time. Blackout curtains and earplugs help.
- Light – bright light during the night, sunglasses on the way home.
- Food – light meals at night, main meal before the shift.
- Caffeine – no later than the first half of the shift.
- Plan ahead – with the nights in your calendar you can plan family, appointments and holidays.
Nights in your calendar
On MyTurnus you pick your pattern, your team and the day your cycle starts. The full-year calendar colours day and night shifts, prints on A4 and syncs to your phone. Weekends off and weekly hours are compared in shift patterns compared.
FAQ
How many night shifts a year on a 12-hour rota?
With four teams about 91 – one in every four shifts of the year is a night, whether you work day/night, 4 on 4 off, Pitman or DuPont.
Which pattern has the fewest nights?
Among rotating patterns the continental five-team rota, about 73 nights a year.
How many nights in a row on a weekly rotation?
A full week: five nights from Monday to Friday, then the weekend off.
Are these numbers exact for my employer?
They are averages for the common patterns. Your rota may start on a different day or include extra days off, so set it up with your own start date.