I worked nights off and on for years, and worked many 12 hour nights, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. I pulled some 16 hour shifts too. I disagree that it's like working any shift. Working nights and sleeping days goes against your body clock.
No, most people who work days don't go to bed at 6 p.m. But most people who work nights try to sleep while the rest of the family is out of the house, from early that morning until late in the afternoon. Then they're up for several hours before time to go back to work, so they're tired before they start their shift. By the time they get off the next morning, it feels like they've been awake for a week.
When I worked nights, I wanted to be awake in the evenings so I could be with my family. Some people may have the luxury of being able to sleep right up until time to go to work, like daytime workers do. Most don't, however.
For those who have a daytime job, try setting your alarm at midnight and then go about your household duties for 6 or 7 hours before you go to work at 8 a.m. and then work all day. It makes a world of difference.
