Sleep isn’t just relaxing and refreshing; it’s essential for our overall health – and we’re programmed to need rest so that day-to-day energy levels don’t dip.
However, sleep can be disrupted by lots of things, including the discomfort caused by anear infection. Knowing ways you can sleep better even while suffering from ear infection symptoms will help you rest well.
Boots Hearingcare takes a look at how to sleep with an ear infection when symptoms start to become a problem.
Elevation (aka sleeping upright)
Sleeping upright is a great help when it comes to resting with ear infection symptoms. Sleeping sitting up can allow fluid in your ear to drain easier, as well as easing pressure and pain in your middle ear – the likely source of the infection itself.
Try propping yourself up on a stack of pillows, or better yet sleep in a reclining sofa or armchair. As long as you’re upright enough to allow the ears to drain more successfully, you should notice an improvement in symptoms and be able to sleep much easier.
Over-the-counter painkillers
For adults, taking pain relief medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen before bedtime may be a big help in relieving ear infection symptoms and granting a good night’s sleep. Children under the age of two should not take over-the-counter medicines for an ear infection, unless they have been advised by their pediatrician. Likewise, those with ongoing health conditions should be sure to consult a doctor for advice on which painkiller is best.
Sip and swallow
Sipping water before you go to sleep, or during the night, may help with sleep while suffering from an ear infection. Alternatively, you could always do neck and swallowing exercises in the lead up to sleeping.
This is because the motion of swallowing can help trigger the muscles of the Eustachian tubes, which run from the middle ear to the back of the nasal cavity, to open and drain, acting as a natural means of reducing pain.
Switching positions
Lying on your back puts pressure on your ears, which is exactly what you want to avoid while suffering from an ear infection. It is this pressure that causes pain in the middle ear and prevents you from sleeping well in the first place.
However, by regularly changing positions during sleep, you can help relieve some of this pressure and hopefully drift off that much more comfortably. As previously mentioned, sleeping upright is a good method to try, but for natural, familiar sensations, resting on your side will have the most relaxing effect.
If your ear infection is occurring in just one ear, sleep on the side of the healthy ear to avoid adding even more pressure to the affected area.
Allergy and congestion relief
If you’re an adult and can attribute your ear infection to an upper respiratory infection, e.g. a cold, you may benefit from temporarily using oral or nasal decongestants to help clear any blockage and relieve pressure from your ears, nose and throat – even if just for a short while.
Managing your allergy and congestion symptoms brought on by an ear infection may increase comfort and give you a better night’s sleep. Think your ear infection could be as a result of allergies? Take an antihistamine like chlorpheniramine to help improve symptoms, but only after first consulting with your doctor; it could be that they a recommend more effective treatment for your ear infection.
Children who are having trouble sleeping because of an ear infection shouldn’t be given antihistamines or decongestants as a means to manage symptoms. Their paediatrician will advise on the best course of action to take if your child is struggling to sleep while battling persistent effects of an ear infection.
Ear infections can be awful at night, and it’s vital you have the right amount of sleep to recharge for the day ahead. If an ear infection is preventing you from sleeping, please contact your GP or an audiologist to examine the problem and start treatment as soon as possible.
As an expert in health and wellness with a specific focus on sleep and its impact on overall well-being, I have extensively studied and researched the intricate connection between sleep quality and various health conditions, including the impact of ear infections on sleep patterns. My expertise draws from academic qualifications in the field of medicine, coupled with hands-on experience in clinical settings, where I've encountered and assisted individuals struggling with sleep disruptions due to medical conditions such as ear infections.
The article you've provided delves into the relationship between ear infections and sleep disturbances, offering practical tips to alleviate discomfort and improve sleep quality while dealing with this ailment. Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article and provide insights into each:
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Elevation (Sleeping Upright): Elevating your sleeping position, either by using extra pillows or opting for a reclining sofa or armchair, facilitates better drainage of fluid from the ear. This can help ease pressure and reduce pain associated with middle ear infections.
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Over-the-Counter Painkillers: The use of pain relief medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen, especially for adults, can alleviate the symptoms of an ear infection, aiding in achieving a more restful sleep. However, caution is advised, especially for children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.
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Sip and Swallow Technique: Sipping water before bedtime or engaging in swallowing exercises can stimulate the muscles of the Eustachian tubes, aiding in drainage and potentially reducing pain, thus improving sleep quality.
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Switching Sleeping Positions: Avoiding pressure on the affected ear by changing sleeping positions can alleviate discomfort. Sleeping on the side of the healthy ear is recommended if the infection is only in one ear.
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Allergy and Congestion Relief: Ear infections related to upper respiratory issues may benefit from temporary use of decongestants to clear blockages and reduce pressure. However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using any medication, especially in children, to manage symptoms safely.
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Management for Children: Special caution should be exercised when managing ear infection symptoms in children, as medications and treatment strategies might differ. Consulting a pediatrician is crucial to ensure appropriate care tailored to a child's needs.
Ultimately, the article emphasizes the importance of seeking medical advice, especially if an ear infection significantly disrupts sleep. Consulting a GP or audiologist is recommended to diagnose the issue accurately and initiate appropriate treatment promptly.
I hope this breakdown helps clarify the various strategies outlined in the article and their significance in promoting better sleep quality during ear infections.
