how to sleep with an ear infection

Why Ear Pain Feels Worse at Night: Rest, Relief, and a Better Sleep Routine

Have you ever faced a nagging earache that seems to get worse the moment you lie down to sleep?  You probably find yourself tossing and turning to try to find some relief.  Many people experience increased discomfort from ear infections at night, often wondering, “How do I  sleep with an ear infection?”

February 13, 2025 Updated on February 18, 2025
5 min read

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Why Ear Pain Feels Worse at Night: Rest, Relief, and a Better Sleep Routine

Have you ever faced a nagging earache that seems to get worse the moment you lie down to sleep?  You probably find yourself tossing and turning to try to find some relief.  Many people experience increased discomfort from ear infections at night, often wondering, “How do I  sleep with an ear infection?”

Bearassentials

Sleeping with an ear infection can be challenging due to pain, pressure, and general discomfort in the ear.

The correct ear pain sleeping position can help alleviate pressure and promote better drainage.

Simple home remedies (like a warm compress) and proper pain management can make a big difference in your comfort.

Did you know?
An inflamed or infected middle ear (otitis media) can lead to experiencing pain at night because lying down can increase the pressure in the ear.

To sleep with an ear infection, focus on keeping your head elevated, lying on your side with the affected ear up (unless instructed otherwise by a healthcare professional). Try using warm compresses to ease pain. If one ear is clogged or infected, sleeping on the opposite side can help reduce pressure and pain. A good bedtime routine when you have an ear infection includes pain management and possibly a weighted blanket for additional comfort and to help promote more restful sleep.

Sleep is crucial for healing, yet the throbbing pain and pressure from an ear infection can make dozing off feel impossible. Even if you do manage to fall asleep, you might not achieve a truly deep, restful sleep. Instead, you’ll wake up tired and still in pain when the morning light arrives.

In this article, we’ll explore how to sleep with ear pain, why it can hurt more at night, and what simple strategies you can adopt for relief. We’ll also discuss a healthy bedtime routine and explore some cozy items that can help you relax.

You’ll be happy to know that whether your question is about the best way to lay to drain ear clogging or what side should you sleep on with a clogged ear, we’ve got you covered. Let’s help you wake up feeling better, and dive into the helpful information and tips in this article!

Why Is Ear Pain So Bad When Trying to Sleep?

An ear infection (commonly known as otitis media or otitis externa, depending on which part of the ear is affected) occurs when bacteria or viruses enter the ear and cause inflammation or fluid buildup.

For many people, the swelling and pressure inside the ear become more noticeable when lying down. Gravity and reduced swallowing during the night can allow fluid to build up in the ear’s eustachian tube, intensifying discomfort.

what side you should sleep on with a clogged ear

Why Nighttime Pain Feels Worse

  1. Reduced Distractions: During the day, you’re busy so your mind is probably preoccupied with the day's tasks. However, at night when you’re lying in your bed, the quiet can make you more aware of pain.
  2. Horizontal Position: When lying flat in bed, fluid in the middle ear can’t drain as easily which causes pressure to build up.
  3. Inflammatory Response: The body’s immune system may be more active overnight, sometimes causing an increase in perceived pain or swelling.

These factors can contribute to that frustrating feeling where an ear infection hurts so bad you can’t sleep.

How to Sleep With Ear Pain: Key Strategies

If you’re struggling to deal with severe ear pain when you lay down at night, the following approaches might help you can sleep:

Elevate Your Head in Bed

Propping yourself up with extra pillows or using an adjustable bed frame keeps your head above your heart. This elevated position promotes better fluid drainage from the ear., and it is often considered the best way to lay to drain the ear.

Try adding one or two pillows under your head and neck to raise your ear. You’ll want to ensure you still have proper spinal alignment. If you tend to roll over in your sleep, consider sleeping with a wedge pillow for more stability.

Sleep on the Opposite Side

If your right ear is infected, sleep on your left side, and vice versa. If you’re wondering what side you should sleep on with a clogged ear, generally, sleeping with the infected ear facing up prevents direct pressure from building and reduces pain.

If both ears hurt, experiment with different positions. Roll from side to side frequently or sleep in a semi-upright position.

Use Warm or Cold Compresses

Warmth can soothe pain and encourage blood flow; a cold compress can numb pain and reduce inflammation.

Apply a warm compress to your ear or the side of your face/neck for 10-15 minutes before bed, or alternate between warm and cold compresses to see which provides you more relief.

Try a Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets like the Cotton Napper use gentle, even pressure to help calm the nervous system, promoting deeper relaxation.

While a cozy weighted blanket won’t directly cure an ear infection, reducing stress and improving sleep quality can help you rest better, potentially helping you recover faster.

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Maintain Good Sleep Hygiene

A consistent bedtime routine can improve overall sleep quality, making it easier to fall (and stay) asleep despite your ear pain discomfort.

Keep a regular sleep schedule, avoid caffeine late in the day, and create a calming environment (dim lights, low noise) in your bedroom. Also, turn off the tech because the blue light from a computer screen, tablet, or cellphone can adversely impact your sleep quality.

Address Allergies and Congestion

Congestion in the nasal passages can worsen ear infections, especially if eustachian tubes are blocked.

Use saline nasal sprays or antihistamines as recommended by your doctor) to reduce sinus congestion, help the ear drain better, and prevent build-up – ultimately relieving a clogged ear feeling.

Medications and Pain Management

Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can ease ear pain, making it easier to sleep.

Always follow the recommended dosage. If pain is extreme or persistent, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Why Is Ear Pain So Bad When Trying to Sleep?

Coping With “Ear Infection That Hurts So Bad I Can’t Sleep”

Sometimes, ear pain can feel unbearable. Physicians often hear, “The ear infection hurts so bad I can’t sleep.” In such situations, consider these immediate relief measures:

  1. Over-the-Counter Eardrops: If approved by your doctor, these drops can numb the ear canal and reduce pain.
  2. Hydration: Sip water or warm tea to encourage swallowing, which helps open the eustachian tubes.
  3. Gentle Massage: Lightly massaging the area under the ear can stimulate fluid flow in the lymph nodes and reduce swelling.
  4. Steam Inhalation: A steamy shower or bowl of hot water can help loosen sinus congestion, indirectly alleviating ear pressure.

If you experience a sudden worsening of symptoms, high fever, or discharge from the ear, seek medical attention promptly.

Why Do I Have/Get Severe Ear Pain When I Lay Down at Night?

“Severe ear pain when I lay down at night,” is a common complaint. Pain often intensifies at night because lying down changes how fluid moves in the body. In an upright position, fluid drains more naturally. When we lay down, the fluid in the ear (including any infectious material) can accumulate, increasing pressure on the eardrum.

What Side Should You Sleep On With a Clogged Ear?

If you have just one infected or clogged ear, the general advice is:

  • Affected Ear Up: to avoid direct pressure.
  • Elevate Your Head: to promote drainage.

However, certain conditions may alter this approach (e.g., if you have a perforated eardrum or after certain ear surgeries). Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions. In most cases, sleeping with the painful ear facing up helps ease the throbbing sensation and can be the best way to lay to drain your ear.

FAQs About Sleeping With Ear Issues

Can I Use Earplugs When I Have an Ear Infection?

Generally, it’s not recommended to use earplugs when you have an active infection, as it can trap moisture and potentially worsen the condition. However, you should always check with your healthcare provider.

Is It Safe to Lay Flat?

Lying completely flat often increases pressure in the ear. Instead, slightly elevating your upper body is usually more comfortable.

What If Both Ears Are Infected?

Consider sleeping on your back in a partially upright position, supported by pillows. This can help reduce pressure on both ears.

When Should I Seek Medical Help?

If pain is severe, persists for more than a couple of days, or if you notice discharge or hearing loss, schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

Sleeping with an ear infection isn’t always easy—pain, pressure, and restlessness can make nighttime the most difficult time of the day. However, getting some rest when you have an ear infection often comes down to a few proven strategies: keep your head elevated, sleep on the unaffected side, use warm or cold compresses, and consider supportive products like the Bearaby Napper for extra comfort.

Above all, a consistent sleep routine and overall sleep hygiene can help you rest more easily. While the infection itself needs to run its course (or respond to appropriate medical treatment), giving your body the best chance to heal is key. When you combine pain management techniques, propped-up positions, and a bit of weighted pressure for calming reassurance, you can ease some of your ear pain sleeping position dilemmas.

Written by:
Bearaby Staff Writter

Bearaby Staff Writers

Bearaby’s staff writers are a dynamic team of word-nerds and napthusiasts, dedicated to writing evidence-based articles on current trends in sleep health, mental health, and sustainability.