I can see the struggle - still, 4 days off in a row doesn't sound like a bad thing. My FIL used to do shift work, almost always night shift too. I remember when I first started dating Mrs.Firm I'd be rolling up to pick her up for the evening and he'd be heading to work, with younger kids (she was the oldest) I don't know how he did it.
I am not shift work (straight salary), but my weekday schedule is pretty freaking sad at the moment:
6am-8am: Commute
8am-5:30pm: Work
5:30pm-7pm: Commute
7pm-8pm: Dinner, change, household chores, shower etc
8pm-11pm: Work
I used to take work home maybe 1-2 nights a week, but for about a year or so (in line with my last promotion) it's been pretty consistent every night....I put up with it for awhile knowing that I was creating opportunities for my career, but recently I've signaled that I've had enough, especially with the baby on the way. Work has been relatively understanding and have agreed to hire me some additional support; but there's still at least a few months before we get role filled and people trained.
I don't regret taking on what I have as the gains have been worth it, but there's no doubt that it takes it's toll. I am always tired, and my interest/enthusiasm in stuff that I love (i.e. the car stuff) has decreased dramatically. I am looking forward to getting at least some of my life back soon.