Leaking at night on heavy days is common, so start with a long pad, snug underwear and a dark towel to lie on. Sleeping with one eye open, mentally checking the sheet, really is exhausting. Heavy periods themselves are so common that about 1 in 3 women see a doctor about them, and they can be treated.
Why do I leak at night when the days are fine?
During the day, blood runs straight down onto the pad. Lying down, it can spread towards your back and past the edge, and the pad itself shifts during the night. On top of that, the first 2 days are usually the heaviest, and at night you change less often than in the day.
What helps?
Use night pads: they're longer at the back, and sometimes wider, for exactly this reason. Put a fresh one on right before bed, and let snug, high-waisted underwear keep it in place. Pads with wings stay put better, which helps at night.
Lie on a dark towel, and put a waterproof mattress protector under the sheet. If you do leak, the towel takes it, and the sheet, the mattress and your sleep survive. Keep spare underwear and a pad by the bed so you're not searching in the dark.
Tampon, cup or period underwear?
A tampon works overnight if you'll take it out within 8 hours of putting it in. Put a fresh one in right before bed and choose the lowest absorbency that's enough. If you'll sleep longer, go for a pad, period underwear or a cup.
A cup is usually emptied every 8 to 12 hours, but check the instructions for your model. Change period underwear every 8 to 12 hours, or sooner if it's full. Wearing it over a tampon or cup doesn't make their time limit any longer.
Common questions
What if I fell asleep with a tampon in for more than 8 hours?
Don't panic: take it out as soon as you wake up. Next time you expect to sleep more than 8 hours, go for a pad or period underwear.
How do I get blood out of the sheets?
Cold water, as soon as possible: hot water "cooks" the blood and sets the stain. Soak the stain in cold water, rub the fabric against itself under the tap, then wash as usual. Don't put it on a radiator or in the dryer until the stain has gone, because heat sets it.
What if pain keeps me awake?
That's common, and it can be eased: have a warm shower before bed and put a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on your tummy. Move it away as you drift off, because it can burn your skin while you're asleep. Take a painkiller like ibuprofen or paracetamol as the label says.
In short
- A fresh night pad right before bed
- A dark towel under you, just in case
- Rinse stains in cold water, never hot
Source: NHS: Heavy periods
Educational content; it does not replace professional medical advice.