For women who menstruate, monthly periods can be a stressful and difficult time. While some women have periods that don’t change their daily life much, there are others who become ill and have a hard time getting through their normal activities.
One of the things that are commonly affected during a person’s period is their sleep. Many people simply can’t get comfortable at night due to cramps, mood swings, or sleep positioning. The ensuing lack of rest can make the other symptoms of their periods harder to deal with.
From lifestyle changes to bedtime essentials like water-heated mattress pads, here are some ways you can make sleeping on your period a more recharging and restful experience!
Sleep Better On Your Period
When you are on your period, your see-sawing hormones can make you feel more tired than normal. One way to get your energy back is to get quality sleep at night.
Your body needs to be able to get plenty of rest so it can withstand the rigors of your period in your waking hours. If you are looking for some tips to help you to help you sleep better when you are on your period, keep these tips in mind!
Sleep Tips For That Time of the Month
Exercise
While you may not feel like moving around while you are on your period, a bit of exercise can improve your sleep tremendously.
Exercising helps increase blood flow through your body so you are less likely to have cramps. It can also help keep your muscles loose, making it easier for you to relax at night.
You can exercise earlier in the morning to get your blood running throughout the day. At night, you can stretch or do some yoga right before bed to get your body relaxed and ready for sleep.
Get a Heated Mattress Pad
A warm bed can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It can also help alleviate period cramps, discomfort, and bloating.
A non-electric and water-heated mattress pad will help soothe your muscles and help them relax. If you are experiencing abdominal cramps, you can lie prone on a heated mattress pad to warm and loosen your stiffening muscles.
Avoid Snacking
While many people feel very snacky while they are on their periods, it’s a good idea to avoid eating before bed. You may be craving chocolate and potato chips, but these things are filled with carbohydrates and sugars, which will keep you awake rather than make you sleepy.
As a rule, it’s best to avoid heavy snacks before bed. If you really need something to fill your stomach, go for foods that promote sleep, such as a glass of warm milk, a handful of nuts, or a cup of tea.
Drink Water
While you are on your period, it’s important to drink plenty of water to stave off cramps and stay hydrated.
You may not want to drink water before bed because it could make you have to get up and use the bathroom. In this case, drinking plenty of water throughout the day instead, so you can slow down as it gets closer to bedtime.
Temperature
You may have a hard time getting comfortable when on your period because your hormones may cause you to get hot and cold quickly. You may have experienced night sweats or you may feel chilled during your period.
A great way to maintain a consistent temperature in your bed is to use an Navien Mate non-electric bed warmer. It will keep you warm and comfortable so you can adjust the thermostat in your room to control the temperature and still remain snug in your bed regardless of what that outside temperature might be.
Write Down Worries
Many people have mood changes during their periods and can become extremely irritable, sad, or nervous. If you are not able to fall asleep at night because your mind is racing and you are feeling upset about something, spend a few quiet moments writing down how you feel.
Expressing your worries into words can help you process them. Eventually, you can understand where your emotions are coming from, and you’ll be more ready to take concrete action in the morning. In the meantime, you’ll be able to rest easier knowing that you’ve unburdened your mind.
Change Sleep Positions
The way you sleep can have a big effect on how well you sleep. When you are on your period you position yourself in a way that makes you feel like you are less likely to have a leak; however, that’s probably not the sleeping position that’s comfortable for you on a normal day.
A bed warmer can help improve the way you sleep by keeping you warm and comfortable despite changing sleeping positions. A mattress warmer can soothe your muscles all over – including your back, hips, legs, knees, and other areas where pain radiates to during your period.
This allows you to relax your muscles so that even unusual sleep positions can feel more comfortable.
The Importance Of A Good Night’s Sleep
During your period, your body is changing and going through a lot. You need all the energy you can get! Sleep affords you the rest necessary so your body can repair and restore itself. If you are not sleeping well on your period, it’s important to analyze the reasons for your sleep problems and take steps to overcome them.
Aside from exercising, drinking warm milk, and journaling, be sure to try a bed warmer pad. It may help you fall asleep faster, fight cramps and discomfort during the night, and help you wake up feeling rested and rejuvenated.
View our selection of bed warmers on the Navien Mate catalog today.
