Tips for Sleeping with an Ear Infection

Dealing With an Ear Infection

Ear infections can be extremely painful and make it very difficult to sleep. The pressure and discomfort can keep you up at night. However, getting adequate rest is important for healing.

Symptoms of an Ear Infection

Signs that may indicate you have an ear infection include:

• Ear pain that comes on suddenly
• Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
• Muffled hearing
• Drainage of fluid or pus from the ear
• Fever
• Dizziness or nausea
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Causes of Ear Infections

Most ear infections develop from a bacterial or viral infection that causes swelling and fluid build-up in the middle ear behind the eardrum. They often arise during or after:

• A cold
• Allergies
• Upper respiratory infection
• Sinus infection

Risk Factors Include:

• Age - children get more ear infections
• Recent illness
• Allergies
• Enlarged adenoids
• Smoking
• Use of pacifiers

Treating an Ear Infection Without Antibiotics

Many mild to moderate ear infections can be treated at home without antibiotics. Using natural remedies can help relieve discomfort associated with infections and may help clear them up more quickly.

Give the Infection Time to Clear

Viral ear infections often get better on their own within 3 days, especially when home treatment is utilized for symptom relief. Even many bacterial ear infections may clear up without antibiotics.

However, if an infection lasts longer than 3 days without improvement, see your doctor as antibiotics may be needed.

Watch for Complications

See a doctor promptly if you experience:

• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Facial paralysis
• Severe headache

As this may indicate the infection has spread.

Home Remedies to Help Relieve Ear Infection Pain and Pressure

Several natural home treatments may help provide relief from the discomfort of an ear infection to allow you to sleep better.

1. Apply Warmth

Applying something warm near the affected ear may help relieve throbbing and pressure from an ear infection.

Try an electric heat pad set on low or a microwavable heat pack wrapped in a thin towel. Alternate a few minutes of heat with a cold pack.

2. Use Oregano Oil and Olive Oil

Oregano oil and olive oil likely have anti-inflammatory properties. Mixing a few drops of oregano oil with some olive oil and applying the mixture around the outside of the infected ear can temporarily alleviate pain.

Do not put drops inside the ear canal and test oregano oil on a small area of skin first to ensure you do not react.

3. Try Over-the-Counter Ear Drops

Ear drops containing pain relievers like benzocaine or antipyrine can numb the ear temporarily to make sleeping easier. Place drops on a cotton ball and apply to the outer ear.

4. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

Oral over-the-counter medications ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen can reduce inflammation and pain from an ear infection.

Avoid giving aspirin to children under 12 years old due to the risk of Reyes syndrome.

5. Use Hot and Cold Compresses

Alternating hot and cold compresses may help alleviate throbbing ear pain that disturbs sleep. Use warm compresses before bed and anytime pain wakes you up at night.

Tips for Sleeping with an Ear Infection

It can be quite challenging to sleep when dealing with discomfort from an ear infection. Here are some helpful suggestions for getting rest.

1. Sleep on Your Side

Lying on the unaffected side with the sore ear facing up can help drain fluid and reduce pressure for less pain while sleeping.

You can also try tilting the mattress with boards under the legs on one side so your head lies at an angle.

2. Use Extra Pillows to Prop Up Your Head

Keeping your head slightly elevated allows drainage and may prevent pain and pressure changes from interfering with your sleep.

Use enough pillows to achieve about a 30 degree incline.

3. Consider a Humidifier

Using a cool mist humidifier at night can loosen congestion contributing to ear pain. Choose one with adjustable settings and keep humidity under 50% to avoid mold growth issues.

4. Avoid Sleeping on the Infected Ear

The pressure of lying directly on the infected ear all night can increase pain and swelling. Shift positions frequently or build up pillows to keep off it.

5. Apply Treatments Right Before Bed

Make sure to use any prescription ear drops, natural remedies, warm compresses or pain relievers right before going to bed to optimize their effects.

6. Keep the Room Dark and Quiet

Minimizing light and noise may make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep if ear pain wakes you up at night.

Consider blackout curtains and/or a white noise machine if needed.

When to See a Doctor

You should seek medical treatment promptly if an ear infections lasts more than a few days without improvement, causes extreme pain, or leads to discharge or fever over 102F. Seek emergency care for sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or other neurological symptoms.

In some cases antibiotics or even surgery may be required for chronic or serious ear infections accompanied by complications. Work closely with your doctor for proper diagnosis and monitoring if symptoms persist.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.