The vampire shift... a long while back I used to spend a bit over half my time on it, and hated it. But you've got it for the full year - ouch.

The split sleeping is going to be a hard one to make work. I'd concur w/the 45 minute nap in the hotel, and then spend the extra time w/other work (good time to knock out some classes towards your degree/study for next cert/write a book/etc). And definitely get some good exercise in. That will help a ton.

Problem w/the exercise is going to be that the Hotel gym and/or pool are probably closed, and not sure I'd want to be running near MEM at midnight. Good solution to consider is packing a couple power bands and running a P90X-style workout.

Like Airbum says, the trick to sleeping in the middle of the day is a pitch-black room with a comfortable temp. When we lived in Alaska, we had mylar-lined cellular miniblinds on our windows that both blacked out the room during long daylight hours and were awesome insulators.

When you wake up, get lights on, and then get into some bright light relatively "early" - natural is best, but one way or the other, don't stumble through a dark house as you prep for work. This works well during deployments, but would be a hard thing to do if you've got family.

I'd stay away from the drugs. Some guys use Melatonin, but I'd even avoid supplements like that. Eat well, exercise, and do your best to keep to a schedule.