It can be so uncomfortable to sleep when you know you have an ear infection, especially when the pressure builds up and impacts your sleep. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) states that ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents take their children to the doctor, but adults are impacted also.
In fact, it is common for adults to report sleep disturbances associated with acute or chronic ear pain. Choosing the best sleeping position can help to relieve pain and pressure, and it may actually assist in healing faster. In this blog, we will discuss which sleeping positions will provide the most relief and comfort associated with an ear infection.
Causes of Ear Infections
Bacterial or viral infections: Most ear infections are caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or viruses, including those that cause cold or flu type illness. These infectious organisms can enter the middle ear and cause inflammation.
Upper respiratory tract infections: Colds or throat infections can result in fluid buildup and swelling in the Eustachian tubes (which connect the ear to the throat), which could lead to infection.
Allergy with nasal congestion: Allergic reactions can cause inflammation and mucus buildup which can obstruct the Eustachian tubes, creating an environment for bacteria or viruses to infect.
Sinus infections: Sinusitis infection can extend to the middle ear, especially when mucus does not drain well, or when bacteria migrate from the sinuses to nearby ear structures.
Accumulation of excess mucus: Accumulation of mucus from colds or allergies can back up into the Eustachian tubes, creating pressure and fluid in the middle ear.
Changes in air pressure (for example, when flying): Sudden changes in altitude will change the pressure of air in the middle ear and may cause fluid or pressure build up and possibly infection, especially if the Eustachian tubes are blocked.
Enlarged adenoids: In young children, the adenoids may congest or block the Eustachian tubes, interfering with ear drainage pathways and infections can develop.
Exposure to smoke and air pollutants: Secondhand smoke and environmental pollutants can cause irritation of the respiratory tract and the Eustachian tubes, and can develop increasing inflammation and an infection risk.
Eustachian tube malfunctioning: if the Eustachian tubes do not function properly in opening and closing, fluid can accumulate in the middle ear, which can leave an ideal environment for infection.
Excess earwax: This secretion does help to protect the ear, but excessively can trap bacteria and moisture or block ear drum movement, increasing the risk for - outer ear infection (otitis externa).
Swimming in unclean water: Water that enters the ear, especially after swimming in unclean or untreated water, can remain in the ear canal leading to swimmer's ear (a type of outer ear infection).
How Does an Ear Infection Impact Your Sleep?
Here’s how an ear infection can impact your sleep:
- Worsened Pain When Lying Down: Pain or pressure in the middle ear is likely to worsen when lying flat, causing increased pain and discomfort when trying to sleep.
- Disrupted Sleep Cycles: The pain and/or throbbing in the ear may cause several disturbances in sleep and may not allow deep sleep in the first place.
- Difficulty Finding a Suitable Comfortable Position: Most persons infected in one ear may find it difficult to discover a sleeping position that does not result in discomfort in the infected ear, resulting in restlessness.
- Fever and General Discomfort: Ear infections on occasion are accompanied by fever, chills, and general exhaustion which interfere with restful sleeping.
- Tinnitus Sounds or Hiccupping in the Ear: Some persons may hear ringing, buzzing, or popping noises in the ear that may make falling asleep or staying asleep impossible.
- Rise in Irritability in Children: In young children and infants, ear infections can result in significant nocturnal screaming and screaming due to the pain and discomfort of their illness and not being able to effectively communicate their pain experience.
- Sleep Debt and Daytime Tiredness: If ear infections contribute to poor sleep quality, excessive sleepiness and tiredness can be set in motion through irritability in waking hours and covering up the lost sleep with extended naps.
Best Sleeping Position for an Ear Infection
Here are the recommended sleeping positions to relieve pain and discomfort from an ear infection:
Sleep with the infected ear up
Sleeping with the infected ear raised reduces pressure on the affected ear and promotes drainage from the middle ear.
Sleep with a lot of pillows to keep your head elevated
Sleeping with your head raised will reduce fluid from collecting in the ear and help alleviate some of the inflammation, which should decrease pain while sleeping.
Sleep on your back
Sleeping on your back provides a neutral position that doesn't put direct pressure on either ear, preventing drainage issues for both.
Use a wedge pillow or raise the head of the bed
Sleeping slightly elevated, especially for the upper body, promotes drainage of the ears and sinuses and helps decongest, which should help decrease discomfort.
Avoid sleeping on the infected ear
Sleeping on the side of an infected ear puts pressure on the affected ear, and therefore increased pain, swelling, and drainage issues will worsen by sleeping on it.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to improve your sleep while suffering from an ear infection:
- Take pain-relieving medications before you go to bed (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen, whichever your doctor recommends)
- Put a warm compress on the affected ear to decrease pain, and promote drainage
- If your doctor recommends it, use ear drops bought from the pharmacy
- Keep the ear dry and clean, especially after a bath or shower
- Avoid putting pressure on the ear with earbuds or headphones
- Create a cool, quiet, and dark sleep environment for the best sleep overall
- Stay hydrated, so mucus doesn't thicken, which encourages healing
- A humidifier can add moisture to dry air, which prevents nasal and ear congestion
- If dairy or other mucus-promoting foods aggravate mucus production, you do not have to eat them
- Follow your doctor's directions for treatment and finish all prescribed antibiotics
Final Thoughts
Ear infections affect the quality of sleep in children and adults alike, as discomfort can still impact those who fall asleep while on their feet. With ear infections, lying down increases pressure, while children may become more restless during fevers and tinnitus. However, knowing what causes ear infections in the first place and learning to sleep with the right adjustments will help; for example, lying on your side with the infected ear up; or propping your head up.
Besides sleeping appropriately, there are other considerations to help ease your woes, such as warm compresses, pain relief, keeping hydrated, and using a humidifier. Always follow guidance from your healthcare provider, and try not to apply pressure on the infected ear. Doing all of this can help you have significantly less discomfort and allow you to have the restorative sleep your body requires to heal.
