Sleeping On Your Period
For many women and girls, sleeping can be one of the most troublesome parts of having a period. For some, it's primarily an issue of comfort. For others, it's a problem of preventing leaks. Having a period brings enough concerns as it is – sleeping shouldn't be one of them. Follow these simple steps to make sure you can sleep long and well, even on your period.
1. Preventing Leaks
We all dread waking up in the middle of the night to find a small pool of menstrual blood staining the sheets. The best way to get a good night's sleep when this possibility looms is to make sure you're protected against possible nighttime leaks.
- Use overnight pads
Overnight pads are designed for sleep, and are therefore longer and thicker than regular pads. This will allow you to sleep on your back or front without worrying too much about leaking.
- Protect your sheets
If you're still worried about leaks, try sleeping with a towel directly underneath your body. This will help to put your mind at ease, because even if you do have a leak, your bed cloths won't be stained.
- Use period panties.
Period panties like PantyProp aren't just for daytime use. They can help hold your pad in place while you sleep, letting you get better, worry-free rest.
2. Staying Comfortable
Sleeping in a comfortable position can be complicated when menstruating. Sometimes your typical sleeping position isn't 'safe' for preventing leaks. But in all honesty, few things are comfortable when you're on your period. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind during that time of the month.
- Relax.
Nothing ensures a tense night's sleep like going to bed worried about leaking. Your body needs rest during this time, so your primary goal should be to stay calm. Remember, bed sheets can be washed – a leak won't be the end of the world. Plus, if you've taken the precautions stated above, a leak will be unlikely.
- Sleep how you're comfortable.
No one wants to wake up stiff and cranky, especially during her period. If you prefer to sleep on your back, sleep on your back. Wear your pad a little lower or higher depending on your sleeping position and stay comfortable throughout the night.
- Stay fresh.
Change your pad right before bed to help yourself feel clean. Starting the night with a new pad will also help prevent overnight leaks, so it's a double advantage.
3. Staying Safe
There's a very simple rule to follow when sleeping on your period: Don't wear tampons to bed. It might be tempting to make an unbroken night's sleep a higher priority than following all the safety precautions, but that's never a good idea. Your tampon needs to be changed every four hours to prevent the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Wearing a tampon overnight is a health risk, as it allows for the build up of dangerous bacteria inside your body.
Instead of tampons, use pads, or even a menstrual cup (menstrual cups should be changed frequently, but since they don't have the same associated risk of TSS, you can wear one overnight as long as you empty it immediately the next morning). Remember, it's never wise to give convenience more consideration than your health.
Sleeping one your period doesn't need to be the bother it often becomes. Learn what works best for you, and put it into action to have a night of sound, restful sleep.
