Period leaks at night: How to sleep on your period to avoid leakage
Sleeping whilst on your period can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable due to the heaviness of the flow, but if this is consistently the case, then there are a few things you can do to improve the situation.
So there's no need to let your period cramp your style - or your sleep. In this post, we'll share some tips on how to sleep during your period to avoid period leaks at night. With a little preparation, you can rest easy and wake up feeling dry and refreshed.
What causes period leakage during the night?
Whilst on your period, it is perfectly normal to have a heavier flow for the first couple of days. As time goes on and you hit the last couple of days, the bleeding begins to drop, and your period becomes lighter. This allows for a more comfortable sleep.
However, if you find that you are leaking after the first few days of your period, this can be rather disconcerting and a nuisance, to say the least. So what causes period leaks at night?
Regardless of how many periods you have had in your life, leaking can happen at any time, and it is completely normal. Some of the culprits of period leaks at night include:
- The absorption of your period product is at its peak, and it needs to be changed or emptied
- Wearing the wrong absorbency period products for your type of flow
- The pad, tampon, or period cup you are using is not positioned properly
- Not sleeping in a comfortable position
Night time period leaks: why are they more common?
We’ve all been there – you’re sleeping, dreaming about the upcoming day, when all of a sudden, you feel something hot running down your legs. You wake up to find your pad has sprung a leak, and your sheets and pyjamas are now soaked.
Unfortunately, it’s a common issue during the night as the blood flow can fall either to the side or not entirely on the pad or on the side of the menstrual cup, causing leaks. On top of that, you may be a sleep shuffler, meaning there are more chances your pad or pants are likely to move out of place.
In the daytime, you can avoid leaks more easily because gravity is doing its job and catching period blood on your pads, tampons, or whatever product you are using at the time.
What to do if you have period leaks at night?
Even if you try your best, there is always the possibility of period leaks at night and during the day. So it’s always a good idea to know how to remove blood stains from clothing and bedsheets whenever your period sneaks through.
Eco-friendly stain removal
Our Remüvie Stain Remover is perfect for tackling the lingering reminder of period leaks and other stains. It’s fragrance-free and free of ammonia, phosphate and phosphates. You can use it on clothing, mattresses, bedding and furniture. It’s a must-have for every shelf!
When you have tried every possible solution to remove the stain, and it is still stubborn, don't give up hope just yet! Save stained underwear until the next time you're on your period so you can wear them then.
The best ways to stop period leaks during the night
When you’re sleeping on your period, it can be a little tricky to stop period leaks from happening. But with a little forward planning and some TLC, it’s totally possible. Here are some of our tips.
Choose the right period care
First, it's important to choose the right menstrual product. If you're using pads, opt for one with a supportive backing that will stay in place overnight. If you're using a menstrual cup, make sure it's inserted correctly and isn't too full before you get into bed. You may also want to wear a pad as a backup. You can also try using a tampon instead of a pad, as they tend to absorb more than pads.
Another alternative is to wear reusable pants at night. These are super comfy and will feel just like you are wearing your normal underwear but with added protection.
Get comfortable in bed
Next, take some time to relax before bed. Have a warm bath or shower, read a book, or do some gentle stretches. This will help your muscles to relax and ease any cramping.
When you're ready to sleep, prop yourself up on a couple of pillows. This will help to prevent leakage by keeping your menstrual product in place.
Change your sleeping position
We thought it was worth sharing that there’s no position that’ll guarantee you won’t leak during your period. And as you’ve read in our previous blog post on how to manage bad period cramps at night, sleeping in the fetal position relaxes your abdominal muscles and joints around the uterus, so you sleep more soundly at night.
A small pillow can be added between your knees to give you extra support if you find this uncomfortable. The good news is that sleeping on your side, like you’re in the womb, is actually the best position for keeping leakages to a minimum.
Prep and plan
Keeping track of your period can completely transform the way you think about your cycle! The more you know about when your next period is due, the better prepared you will be; what pants to wear, what products to use, and how to protect yourself, like mattress protectors and towels under your sheets.
With these tips, you can sleep soundly and wake up feeling ready to take on the day - period or not.
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