Periods are a natural biological process for women that occur every month, and each woman’s experience is unique. Menstrual cycles can be unpleasant and unpredictable; some may experience heavy bleeding at night. Heavy periods can cause anxiety and disrupt sleep, making it difficult to wake up feeling rested and refreshed.
In this blog, we’ll look at some of the reasons periods can be heavier at night and some tips to help manage this prevalent problem.
Causes of Heavy Period at Night
There are several reasons why some women experience a heavy period at night. Some of them include the following:
- Gravity: When you sleep, blood may accumulate in your uterus and be released when you wake up. This can lead to heavier bleeding during the night.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect the thickness of the uterine lining, resulting in heavier periods. This is particularly true during the first few days of menstruation when the flow is heavy.
- Uterine Fibroids: These are non-cancerous growth inside the uterus that can range in size from a grain of sand to a large mass that can affect the uterine size. Uterine fibroids can cause heavy periods and may be more noticeable at night due to blood flow and pressure changes.
- Endometriosis is a painful condition that causes abnormal growth of the uterine lining and forms uterine polyps. Endometriosis can cause short period cycles and heavy, painful periods as your body sheds the thickened uterine lining.
- Bleeding Disorders: Certain medical conditions can cause heavy periods. For example, Von Willebrand’s disease is a bleeding disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly, causing heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Changes to medications or hormonal birth control: Heavy periods can be a side effect of some medications, especially blood thinners. Changes in birth control can also impact the length of your menstrual cycle and the amount you bleed. For example, using a copper or hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) can result in heavier periods for 3 to 6 months after implantation.
Tips to Manage Your Heavy Period at Night
Heavy periods at night can disrupt your sleep, affecting your overall quality of life. Therefore, knowing the best way to sleep during a heavy period is important so you can get the rest you need to function effectively. Here are some tips for dealing with heavier periods at night:
- Double up on period pads: To deal with a heavy period while sleeping, purchase regular period pads, double them up, and wear them inside your underwear. This can be useful if you soak through the first pad.
You can use superabsorbent overnight pads instead of doubling your period pads. These night pads are longer and absorb more blood than regular pads, which can help prevent leaks while you sleep.
- Change pads regularly: If you use regular pads, changing them throughout the night can help prevent leaks and minimize discomfort.
- Use period panties: This is one of the most popular choices for women wondering how to sleep during a heavy period. Period panties can absorb blood more than regular pads. They are safer than tampons and comfier than pads and menstrual cups. Period panties come in various sizes and absorbency levels, so choose ones that fit snuggly and hold the most volume.
- Put on two sheets: Heavy periods can be inconvenient, especially if you wake up in the middle of the night due to leakage. Before bed, put on two sets of sheets to get extra protection against leaks and help prevent stains on your mattress.
- Please consult a doctor: It’s important to get to the root of the issue to learn how to stop a heavy period at night. Consult a doctor to determine if a hormonal, genetic, or uterine condition causes your heavy periods at night. They can help diagnose underlying conditions and recommend appropriate treatments or management strategies.
Remember, a heavy period at night is an uncomfortable but common condition that can be managed with the right strategies and support. Don’t hesitate to consult your doctor if you need help managing your menstrual cycle.
