Good to know.
I think all women will agree that getting to sleep when you have your period can be a lot more difficult than normal nights.
From the cramps to the bloating you’re just not able to slip into your regular sleeping pattern. We usually put it down to the general uncomfortable feeling during our time of the month but it turns out the way you position yourself could play a huge part in your lack of sleep.
Glamour spoke to some experts and they all agreed that the best night’s sleep during your period is when you are in the fetal position.
Lisa Lindley, M.D., a gynecologist with Eisenhower Women’s Health said, “Sleeping in the fetal position takes pressure off the abdominal muscles,” while Jennifer Wider, M.D said, “Many women report that the fetal position can help relieve cramps. In this configuration, the skeletal muscles around your abdomen relax, and less tension leads to fewer cramps and less pain.”
Researchers from the app, Clue, which helps to track periods, noticed one common benefit to this position, “your legs are squeezed together, which decreases the chances that blood could leak out.”
Dr Lindley also had some tips to help you sleep when you’re on your period which includes taking painkillers before you sleep to reduce any pain, have a shower or a bath before bed, having a heated pad or hot water bottle in the bed with you and also stretching your abdomen before getting into bed.
