How To Sleep With An Ear Infection: Sleep Position & Tips 2022

Generally, ear infections start when contaminated fluid gets trapped inside the ear and becomes an infection over time. The trapped germs can cause infection and inflammation, leading to pain in the ear. Aside from causing severe pain, ear infection can lead to yellowish discharge, redness, headache, and hearing loss. In children, ear infection symptoms can also include tugging at the ear, fussiness and crying, loss of appetite, and loss of balance. While most ear infections usually go away after a few days, numerous at-home remedies can help relieve some of the ear infection symptoms. For instance, taking pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can relieve pain and give you a good night's sleep. Some patients may even find that they benefit more from alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen doses to take advantage of their pain-relieving effects. If you have an ongoing health condition or are taking other drugs for other symptoms associated with ear infection, consult an ENT specialist for advice on which medication is best. Likewise, kids under the age of 2 shouldn't use over-the-counter drugs, as they've been advised by their physician.

The Impact of Ear Infections on Your Sleep

An ear infection can negatively affect your sleep due to the pain it causes. Pain is the primary symptom of ear infections, which can intensify at night when lying down and when applying pressure on the infected part. This can make it quite hard to find a comfortable sleep position.If you find a suitable position for your condition, the frequent throbbing sensation from the ear infection can cause frequent awakenings, disrupting your sleep pattern. Since this can keep you up deep into the night, you'll end up waking up tired and feeling lethargic all day long,

How to Prepare for Bed if You Have Ear Infections

Preparing for bed with an aching ear involves creating a comfortable sleep environment and implementing strategies that can help reduce pain and discomfort. Below are useful tips to help you get the restful sleep you deserve.

Create a Serene Bedroom Atmosphere

To sleep comfortably with an outer or middle ear infection, also known as acute otitis media, you must ensure that your sleep environment is conducive enough for a good night's sleep. First things first, you want to start by decluttering your room, as a tidy and organized room helps keep the mind relaxed and ready for sleep. It will also be wise to reduce light exposure and keep your room as dark as possible. An eye mask and blackout curtains really come in handy in such situations.We also recommend optimizing room temperature for better sleep. While the perfect temperature for sleep is about 65 degrees Fahrenheit, feel free to adjust your thermostat according to your comfort needs. Other things that can help create an environment that promotes restorative sleep include minimizing electronic distractions and using essential oils to wind down and relax.

Choosing the Ideal Mattress & Pillow

When suffering from an ear canal infection, the best mattress for your condition can provide the necessary comfort and support, making you relax and potentially sleep better. An old and unreliable mattress can distract from your sleep in many ways. If your current mattress is noisy, has lost its standard shape, and causes aches and pains, it may be time to invest in a new mattress.An adjustable mattress can be very beneficial in such situations, as it allows patients to elevate their heads, which can help with painful pressure relief in the middle ear. A firmer mattress with quality materials can also deliver better support and minimize allergens that could worsen your condition. High-end organic mattresses from PlushBeds can relieve ear pain and help improve your sleep quality. The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss is our favorite pick as it is hypoallergenic, breathable, and provides adjustable height, which you can customize to your comfort level.We also recommend investing in a quality pillow to relieve pressure on the affected area and alleviate pain and discomfort. Hypoallergenic pillows with breathable fabric, adjustable height, and ear hole design can prevent allergens that may aggravate your ear infection, keep the surface calm, and reduce pressure on your middle ear, which is helpful for patients with pain.Note that these are only general suggestions, and opting for a product that meets your unique preferences and supports your overall well-being is crucial. If you have a specific health condition, consult your physician for additional guidance tailored to your sleep needs.

Pre-sleep Routine to Ease Ear Pain and Discomfort

A bedtime routine can offer the best foundation for sufficient sleep for patients who don't get enough rest regularly. A bedtime routine is basically a set of activities done in the same order each night, 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Your routine can be tailored to perfectly fit your needs and sleeping environment. Some of the best pre-sleep routines to ease discomfort when dealing with middle ear infection include relaxing activities like deep breathing and light stretching to calm the body and mind before sleep. Music has also proven to be a powerful relaxation tool for patients with pain. The genre isn't that important as long as what you're listening to calms you.

Best Sleeping Positions for Ear Infections

Most patients may have difficulty falling or staying asleep when one or both ears are infected. So, if you're experiencing ear pain after an infection, you should consider talking to an ENT specialist about pain relief to help you sleep comfortably. Additionally, temporary adjustments to sleep positions may help minimize discomfort from sleeping with an ear infection.The secret here is to let the infected region breathe. The following positions should help you get rid of your ear infection quickly, optimize your comfort, and get the pain-free sleep experience you need.

Side Sleeping on the Unaffected Part