Sexual Relationships 
Sexual Health 
Getting a good night's sleep is extra important during your period, because that charming monthly visitor can make you feel crummy enough without being sleep deprived on top of everything else. But sleeping during your period can be uncomfortable and stressful. You might toss and turn, your pad might shift around, or you might wake up frequently during the night. If your period is heavy, you probably know what it's like to wake up in the morning with stained sheets or clothing. It's a huge hassle, and can even be a source of significant stress, especially if it happens when you're away from home.
After over a decade of experimenting, I have finally gotten to a point where I can sleep during my period and be totally comfortable, without worrying about leaks or other issues. Below are all of my tips. If you have trouble sleeping during your period, try a few and see what works best for you. For extra protection, you can always combine methods (that's what I usually do).
Please note: I am not a medical professional, and none of these tips are intended to be medical advice. If you have questions about what is safest or healthiest for you as an individual, please ask your doctor.
1. Tampons
I personally have never worn a tampon overnight, not even once in my life. But many women do choose them, even overnight. The benefit of a tampon when you're sleeping is that it works no matter what position you're in, and it doesn't shift when you move around. However, you MUST be aware of the risk of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). NEVER leave a tampon in for more than eight hours maximum, and always use the lowest absorbency tampon for your flow. If you choose to use tampons at night, put in a new tampon right before you go to bed, and set an alarm for 7-8 hours later to make sure you change it in time. You may also want to use a pad or period undies as backup just in case your tampon leaks.
2. The trusty towel
This isn't the most glamorous solution, but it can work, especially if you're stuck with no other options. Placing a towel underneath you in the bed will help protect your sheets from stains in case you leak. Fold your towel in half or use two so that you get two layers of protection.
3. Menstrual cups
Now we're really getting somewhere. A menstrual cup is a fabulous option for overnight, because menstrual cups aren't associated with TSS and they can be left in for up to twelve hours at a time. So you don't need to set an alarm and panic about changing it the way you might want to with a tampon. Once you learn to use your menstrual cup correctly, it shouldn't leak, even at night. But you can still use a pad or period undies as backup protection just in case.
4. Cloth pads
I mention cloth pads specifically, rather than pads in general, because cloth pads come in some crazy huge sizes and unusual shapes that I have never seen in regular disposable pads. Plus, cloth pads tend to be both more comfortable and more absorbent than disposables. This means you'll feel more comfortable throughout the night, and have much better protection against leaks. You can choose a cloth pad with a wide flaring back end, like the one pictured above, which will help protect against leaks in a wider variety of sleeping positions.
5. Period underwear
Period undies may be leak-proof, absorbent, or both, depending on the brand and style you choose. I prefer to use ones that are both leak-proof and absorbent, for the most protection. I only use them at night, because that's the only time when I really need such intense all-over leak protection. I love these because they provide the type of protection that I'd normally get from sleeping on a towel (backup protection in case my pad or cup leaks), but they are so much more comfortable because you're not tossing and turning on a bunched-up towel all night. Period undies were the very first alternative menstrual product that I ever tried, and they truly changed my life.
6. A really good stain remover
Being prepared to handle period stains means that when they do inevitably happen, you can deal with them more quickly and with much less stress and hassle. If you've ever spent hours scrubbing at a blood stain using every liquid and powder you can find in your laundry room, then you know what I'm talking about. Personally, I've found that Zout brand stain remover is especially good at removing blood stains. Soaking stained items in a solution of non-chlorine bleach, such as Oxi Clean or Oxo Brite, is also a great blood stain remover, especially for more stubborn stains. Being prepared with a stain removal system that actually works for you means that if you wake up to stained sheets or you stain a pair of underwear, you can just reach for your favorite product, spend a few minutes with it, and then go about your day. No stress, no fuss.
Thanks for reading! I hope this myTake will help other women and girls have more restful and relaxing nights during their periods.
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