How to Sleep With an Ear Infection

Anyone can get an ear infection, but kids catch them more often. These pesky problems usually hit the middle ear and can really hurt. Sometimes, they even make it hard to hear.

Why do ear infections happen? It all starts with a tube in your ear. This tube links your middle ear to your throat. When it gets blocked or swells up, trouble begins. Fluid gets stuck in your middle ear. This trapped fluid becomes a perfect spot for germs to grow and cause infection.

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Several things can block this tube. Colds often do it. Allergies are another culprit. Even changes in air pressure, like when you fly in a plane, can cause problems.

Sleeping with an ear infection isn’t easy. When you lie down, the pain often gets worse. You might feel more pressure in your ear too. Many people toss and turn, trying to find a comfortable position.

Not getting enough sleep often makes it harder to recover from ear infections, creating a vicious cycle, explains sleep expert Dr. Jing Zhang.A study Verified Source ScienceDirect One of the largest hubs for research studies and has published over 12 million different trusted resources. View source published in 2023 found that sleeping for less than 6 hours increases the likelihood of developing an ear infection.

Don’t worry though! There are ways to sleep better, even with an ear infection. Keep reading to learn some helpful tips that can make your nights more restful.

What You Need to Know

Ear infections can turn bedtime into a real challenge. Your ear hurts, and you can’t sleep. But here’s the tricky part: you need sleep to get better! Let’s break down this problem and look at some solutions.

How Ear Infections Mess With Your Sleep

Ear infections can really throw off your sleep routine. The pain keeps you up at night, and you might wake up way too early.

This can start a bad cycle. You’re tired all day, but when bedtime comes, you still can’t sleep well.

It’s important to try and stick to your normal sleep schedule, even when your ear hurts.

Why Sleep Matters When You’re Sick

Doctors always tell you to rest when you’re sick. There’s a good reason for this!

When you don’t get enough sleep, you’re more likely to catch viruses. And if you’re already sick, not sleeping enough can make you stay sick longer.

Your body fights infection while you sleep. It makes special proteins called cytokines that help beat the infection.

Breaking the Cycle

So, we have a problem. The ear infection keeps you from sleeping, but not sleeping makes the infection last longer. It’s like a loop that’s hard to break.

But don’t worry! There are ways to sleep better, even with an ear infection. Remember, getting good sleep is a big part of feeling better.

Tips for Better Rest

Ear infections can make sleeping tough. Pain and pressure in your ear often feel worse when you lie down. But don’t worry! These tips can help you get the rest you need.

Prop Up Your Head

When you have an ear infection, sleeping with your head elevated can make a big difference. Use extra pillows or a wedge pillow to keep your head higher than your body. This position helps drain fluid from your ear and eases pressure.

It might feel strange at first, but many people find it more comfortable than lying flat. If you don’t have the needed pillows, try propping up the head of your mattress with books or blocks.

Try Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Taking pain medicine before bed can help you sleep better with an ear infection. Choose ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and inflammation. Always follow the instructions on the label or ask a doctor first.

Don’t take more than the recommended dose. If one type of medicine doesn’t work well for you, try the other with your doctor’s approval.

Use Heat

A warm compress can work wonders for ear pain. Grab a clean washcloth and dip it in warm water. Squeeze out the excess water and place it gently on your ear. Make sure it’s not too hot to avoid burning your skin.

Leave the compress on for about 10-15 minutes before bed. You can repeat this process a few times throughout the night if you wake up in pain.

Sleep on Your Good Side

If only one ear hurts, try sleeping with your infected ear facing up. This position can reduce pain and help fluid drain from your ear. It might take some getting used to, especially if you usually sleep on the other side.

Use extra pillows to keep yourself comfortable in this new position. If both ears hurt, try sleeping on your back with your head propped up.

Indeed, the best sleeping position for an ear infection is on your side or back with your head elevated, as both positions help relieve pressure and allow for better drainage of the tubes,” recommends Dr. Jing Zhang.

A study showed that back and side sleeping leads to fewer ear infections in infants, and a similar mechanism should work for adults. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as that can make the infections worse.

Run a Humidifier

Moist air can ease discomfort in your ear and throat when you have an infection. Put a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air while you sleep. Clean your humidifier regularly to prevent mold growth, as you really don’t want mold in the bedroom!

If you don’t have a bedroom humidifier, try hanging a damp towel in your room. You can also take a warm shower before bed to breathe in some steam.

Avoid Loud Noises

When you have an ear infection, your ears become extra sensitive to sound. Keep your room as quiet as possible to avoid making the pain worse. Try to create a quiet environment by closing windows, using draft stoppers under doors, or hanging sound-absorbing curtains.

Earplugs, while normally helpful for blocking noise for better sleep, should be avoided during an ear infection for several reasons. They can trap moisture in the ear canal, potentially worsening the infection.

Inserting earplugs can also cause increasing pain and discomfort. Using earplugs could also introduce new bacteria into the ear canal if they’re not perfectly clean.

External noise-cancelling headphones can effectively reduce ambient bedroom noise without putting pressure on the infected ear. Soft earmuffs or noise-reducing ear covers can provide some sound blocking without entering the ear canal.

Remember, while reducing noise exposure can be helpful, it’s crucial not to completely block your hearing, as this might interfere with the healing process or mask important symptoms. Always prioritize treating the infection as directed by your healthcare provider.

FAQs

Can I sleep on my side if I have an ear infection?

Yes, but it’s best to sleep on your unaffected side. Keep the infected ear facing up to help drain fluid and reduce pain. Use extra pillows to support your head and neck in this position.

If both ears are infected, try sleeping on your back with your head elevated.

Is it safe to use over-the-counter pain medicine?

Yes, it’s generally safe to use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Always follow the dosage instructions on the label. If you’re unsure, consult with your doctor first. These medicines can help reduce pain and inflammation, making it easier to sleep.

Does heat help with ear pain?

Yes, a warm compress can help soothe ear pain. Use a clean washcloth dipped in warm (not hot) water and place it gently on your ear for 10 to 15 minutes before bed. You can repeat this if you wake up in pain during the night. Make sure the compress isn’t too hot to avoid burning your skin.

Heat from the compress can also help drain ear fluid by promoting blood circulation and reducing inflammation. Additionally, the heat can help relax the muscles, potentially allowing for better fluid flow.

How do you flush out an ear infection?

It’s important to note that you should not attempt to flush out an ear infection on your own, as this can potentially cause more harm. If a doctor recommends flushing, they may use a bulb syringe with a saline solution to gently irrigate the ear canal.

In some cases, antibiotic ear drops may be prescribed to combat the infection from within the ear.

Why are ear infections worse at night?

Ear infections often feel worse at night due to changes in position and fluid drainage. When lying down, fluid in the ear may shift and put more pressure on the eardrum, intensifying pain and discomfort.

Additionally, at night there are fewer distractions, which can make a person more aware of their pain and symptoms.

What not to do with an ear infection?

Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal, including cotton swabs or fingers, as this can introduce bacteria and worsen the infection. Don’t try to drain fluid from the ear by tipping your head or using ear candles, as these methods are ineffective and potentially dangerous.

Refrain from swimming or submerging your head in water until the infection clears to prevent complications.

How to stop an earache fast and fall asleep?

To quickly relieve an earache that’s keeping you from sleep, apply a warm compress to the affected ear for 10 to 15 minutes. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also provide rapid relief from pain and inflammation. Gently pulling the earlobe in different directions can sometimes help relieve pressure and provide temporary relief.

If you’re still struggling to sleep, try to stay calm and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing. You might also try reading a book to distract from the discomfort. If sleep problems persist for several nights, contact your doctor for additional advice or treatment options.

Does ice help with ear ache?

While ice can help reduce inflammation in some cases, it’s generally not recommended for ear infections. Cold temperatures can cause the Eustachian tubes to constrict, potentially worsening congestion and pain.

Warm compresses are usually more effective for ear infections as they promote blood flow and drainage.

Can I wear ear plugs if I have an ear infection?

No, its not a good idea. Plugging your ears can trap moisture in the ear canal, creating an environment that promotes bacterial growth and potentially worsens the infection or slows your healing.

Earplugs may also increase pressure in the already inflamed ear canal, causing additional discomfort and pain. Furthermore, they can interfere with the natural drainage process if your ear is producing discharge as part of the infection.

If you need to reduce noise exposure in the bedroom while dealing with an ear infection, consider using external noise-cancelling headphones instead, as these don’t enter the ear canal. It’s best to keep your sleeping environment as quiet as possible, as your ears may be extra sensitive due to the infection.

How long should I prop up my head?

You should keep your head elevated throughout the night when you have an ear infection. Use extra pillows or one wedge pillow to raise your head above your body.

If you don’t have enough pillows, you can prop up the head of your mattress with books or blocks. Continue this sleeping position until your ear infection symptoms improve.

Conclusion

Dealing with an ear infection can be tough, especially when it’s time to sleep. But remember, you’re not alone in this struggle. By following these tips, you can make your nights more comfortable and get the rest your body needs to heal. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen. With patience and care, you’ll get through this uncomfortable time. Soon enough, you’ll be back to enjoying peaceful, pain-free nights of sleep.