I am not sure we ever COPE. We just seem to do what's necessary to get the 
job done. And sometimes pay the price.
I agree with you totally, the first day is ok, the second day is harder and 
the rest of the coverage is horrible. Getting to bed at 8 or 9 doesn't seem 
to help. Getting up a between 2 and 3 am for the early shift is horrible. The 
intermediate shift is not so bad. But getting done and out of the lab may 
feel good, it's when I am back on regular shift, the days seem like an 
eternity.
I am definitely interested in other responses.