There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to get a good night’s sleep while dealing with a throbbing ear. Many people wonder, “Why does my ear hurt at night?”, especially when it feels fine during the day. Whether you are a child, adult or parent caring for a little one, earache at night can affect your rest and leave you feeling exhausted the next morning.
In this article, we will explain why ear pain when lying down is often worse and what you can do to feel better.
Why Does Earache Feel Worse at Night?
There are a few reasons why earache at night becomes more noticeable:
- Position matters: When you lie down, pressure can build in the middle ear. This is especially common during an infection or blockage, making the pain feel sharper when you are trying to sleep.
- Less distraction: During the day, you are usually busy and distracted. At night, your surroundings are quieter, and your mind focuses more on discomfort, which can make the pain seem worse.
- Increased blood flow: Lying flat increases blood flow to the head, which can cause the area around the ear to swell slightly, leading to more pain or pressure.
- Sinus or throat issues: Sometimes the pain in your ear is linked to nearby areas like the sinuses or throat. These problems can flare up at night and make your ears feel sore too.
What Causes Night-Time Ear Pain?
Some common reasons behind night-time earache include:
- Ear infections (especially common in children)
- Earwax build-up causing pressure or blockage
- Fluid trapped in the middle ear
- Sinus infections
- Sore throat or tonsillitis spreading pain to the ear
- Jaw tension or teeth grinding
- Air pressure changes after flying
If your ear pain continues for more than a day or two, gets worse, or is accompanied by fever or discharge, it is important to get help.
Simple Ways to Get Earache Relief at Night
When you’re dealing with ear pain at bedtime, quick relief can make a big difference. Here are a few tips to ease the discomfort:
- Sleep with your head raised: Use an extra pillow to keep your head slightly higher. This can reduce pressure in the ear and ease pain.
- Apply a warm cloth: Gently place a warm flannel on the outside of the ear. The warmth can soothe pain and relax the area.
- Use pain relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort and swelling. Speak to our pharmacists for advice on the right medicine for you or your child.
- Avoid lying on the sore ear: Sleep on the opposite side to take pressure off the painful ear.
- Try a gentle ear drop: If the pain is linked to earwax, a softening drop might help ease the pressure. Always check with our experts first to make sure this is suitable.
These home methods are helpful for mild discomfort. However, if your pain is severe or does not improve, it is best to seek professional support.
Where to Find Trusted Earache Support Near You
If your night-time ear pain is bothering you regularly or causing broken sleep, it’s a good idea to speak to our experts who can guide you with the right support.
For those searching for earache treatment around Slough or Stoke Poges, Aroga Pharmacy in Farnham Common is here to help. Our experienced pharmacists can assess your symptoms, recommend the best treatment, and suggest next steps if further care is needed.
Get Back to Restful Sleep with Our Help
Ear pain can be especially disruptive at night, but it doesn’t have to ruin your rest. Simple relief methods and expert advice can make all the difference in getting back to peaceful sleep.
If you live around Slough or Stoke Poges, book an appointment at Aroga Pharmacy in Farnham Common today. Our pharmacists will help you manage earache symptoms and find safe, effective solutions for night-time discomfort.