If you have an ear infection, choosing the right sleep position can help alleviate pain and promote drainage to speed healing. The ideal side to sleep on will depend on which ear is affected. Let’s review some quick tips on how to get comfortable sleeping with an ear infection.
Sleeping Positions for a Right Ear Infection
If your right ear is infected, the best position to sleep in is on your left side. Sleeping on the side opposite the infected ear takes pressure off the ear and allows gravity to encourage drainage.
Try placing a pillow between your knees and under your head for support when sleeping on your left side. Use an extra pillow if needed to prop your head at an incline to promote drainage. Avoid sleeping on your right side or back, as this puts more pressure on the infected right ear.
Sleeping Positions for a Left Ear Infection
If your left ear is infected, sleeping on your right side is ideal. Similar to a right ear infection, this takes pressure off the infected ear and lets gravity help drainage.
Place pillows for comfort when sleeping on your right side. An extra pillow under your head can also help prop you on an incline. Avoid left side or back sleeping, as the infected left ear needs to stay free of pressure.
Tips for Sleeping with an Ear Infection
Here are some additional tips for getting restful sleep when you have an ear infection in one or both ears:
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers before bed to reduce pain and discomfort.
- Try a warm compress on the affected ear to encourage drainage before sleep.
- Use earplugs in the unaffected ear to dull noise that could prevent sleep.
- Keep head elevated at 30-45 degree incline to promote drainage.
- Avoid sleeping on the infected ear as pressure will increase pain.
What About Sleeping on Your Back?
Sleeping on your back is generally not recommended when you have an ear infection in one or both ears. When you lie on your back, pressure is placed evenly on both ears which can increase pain and block drainage in the infected ear.
However, if you are only comfortable sleeping on your back, try these tips:
- Place pillows under your knees to prevent back strain.
- Use an extra pillow to prop head at an incline to encourage drainage.
- Place a warm compress on affected ear before sleep to ease pain.
- Take pain reliever before bed to reduce discomfort.
While back sleeping is not ideal, getting a good night’s rest is important. So you can try sleeping propped on your back if it is the only position comfortable for you.
Sleeping Positions for Kids with Ear Infections
Getting adequate sleep is crucial for children to heal quickly. Here are some tips for the best sleeping positions if a child has an ear infection:
- Age 0-2 years: Allow child to sleep as comfort dictates as they change positions naturally.
- Age 3-7 years: Encourage child to sleep on side opposite infected ear.
- Age 8+ years: Follow adult sleep guidelines by side of ear affected.
Provide extra pillow support to keep the child’s head propped at an incline. This allows drainage and breathing comfort. Avoid letting young children sleep on their back.
When to See a Doctor
While adjusting your sleep position can help manage an ear infection at home, see a doctor right away if you experience:
- Fever higher than 100.4°F in babies or 102.2°F in children
- Symptoms lasting more than 2-3 days
- Worsening pain, swelling, or redness
- Pus or bloody discharge from ear
- Stiff neck
- Nausea or vomiting
- Hearing loss or ringing in ears
- Upset balance or change in vision
These can indicate a serious infection like mastoiditis and require urgent medical treatment. Seek emergency care if you have sudden hearing loss.
Home Treatments for Sleeping with an Ear Infection
Along with sleeping in the correct position, try these home remedies to help you rest easier with an ear infection:
Warm Compress
A warm compress applied to the affected ear can ease pain and encourage drainage. Try this before bed to aid sleep.
Cold Compress
A cold compress can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Use this if ear feels tender and swollen.
Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
Over-the-counter pain relievers like these can reduce discomfort before bed. Follow dosage on packaging by age or weight.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of fluids promotes drainage. Water, herbal tea, broths, diluted juices, or electrolyte drinks are good options.
Humidifier
A cool mist humidifier can moisten your sleeping environment to ease congestion and help thin mucus.
Sleep Aids
Talk to your doctor about using over-the-counter sleep aids on a limited basis if ear pain interferes with sleep.
Essential Oils
Some people find lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils soothing. Follow safe usage directions.
Avoid Irritants
Stop using cotton swabs or ear plugs, avoid smoke, and minimize use of earbuds to help your ears heal.
The Bottom Line on Ear Infection Sleep Positions
The best way to sleep with an ear infection is on the side opposite the affected ear. This prevents pressure buildup, allows drainage, and reduces pain in the infected ear. Add pillows for extra support and comfort. While back sleeping is not ideal, light propping on the back can work if it is the only comfortable position for you. Be sure to see a doctor promptly if symptoms worsen or last longer than a few days. With the right sleep setup, you can get the rest you need to recover quickly from an ear infection.