Depending on your budget and what type of plants, you may want to consider buying a grow tent (or make your own) and a MH light system. I'm also becoming a big fan of aeroponics. I have 12 basil plants growing in one Sterilite container and will have some lettuce in another.

Mike

Invest in a 4-bulb High-Output (54 watts per bulb) Fluorescent. I have a Sunsystem "Tek-Light" and I'm very happy with it. Cheaper than MH or HPS units and it's powerful enough to fruit plants. For extra peace of mind, I would also setup some side lighting (as opposed to just having the light come from the top) in the form of CFL's or perhaps dual bulb HO Fluros hanging vertically. You'll need both 6500k (blue spectrum) and 3000k (red spectrum) bulbs.

I agree with Yucatan: You should look into a HO T5 System. I also have a small apartment, and bought a 2ft, 4-lamp system from High Tech Garden Supply. It gives 8,000 lumens. I wished I would have purchased the 4ft, 4-bulb system instead.

I have had no problems growing herbs, seedlings, and houseplants. I have not tried vegetables or flowers because I just assume that my setup isn't strong enough. The 4ft system though will be able to handle whatever you want to grow.

I have my system on a timer that comes on in my living room. It's on when I wake up in the morning and while I'm at work. Since you work nights, just set the timer to come on when you are at work.

MY SYSTEM FROM LAST YEAR.

High output (HO) T-5 florescent bulbs are my choice. Please see a plumeria plant in bloom in a post entitled something like "Proof that HO T-5 florescent grow lights work".