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Can you sleep with tampon in?

16 Jan, 2024
Johnno van den Brink

During your period you may use a tampon, but can you sleep with a tampon? It is then important to remove them before going to bed. In fact, it is generally best not to sleep with a tampon in. Why? We explain that below.

Why is it better not to sleep with a tampon?

So experts recommend that you don’t sleep with a tampon in. This is because they are suitable to be used only for a limited time. In fact, often a tampon cannot stay in your body for more than 8 hours.

If you do keep a tampon in longer, you can develop TSS. This stands for toxic shock syndrome. This condition is rare but causes many problems. By the way, TSS is caused by bacterial toxins, or certain bacteria that poison your body.

What is TSS?

TSS stands for toxic shock syndrome and can be caused by holding a tampon in for too long. It is then actually because specific bacteria multiply rapidly and start secreting certain toxic proteins. By the way, these bacteria are already in our bodies in small amounts.

The following symptoms are common in people with TSS:

  • Braken
  • Low blood pressure
  • Results
  • Fever

If you experience these symptoms, it is wise to contact a doctor quickly. Of course, it is even better to avoid getting TSS. Therefore, change your tampons regularly and do not wear them longer than the recommended time. Optionally, you can wear a different type of protection at night during your period, about which more later.

How long with you sleep with a tampon?

Thus, it is not recommended to sleep with tampon in. Yet there are women who do choose this. It is then important to sleep for up to 8 hours while wearing your tampon. It must then be changed, which is thus necessary to prevent TSS.

You really can’t sleep with your tampon in?

If you actually only feel comfortable wearing a tampon at night, you may choose to continue doing so. In fact, it may just be safe to sleep with your tampon in, as long as you don’t sleep more than eight hours. It is also important to insert a new tampon before bedtime, which means you should change it immediately when you wake up.

Tips for using and sleeping with tampon

Do you definitely want to wear a tampon during your period? We then recommend that you apply the following tips:

  • Use tampons only when you are menstruating. Are you expecting to get your period? So then wait a little longer before inserting a tampon. This is better, according to experts, since the tampon otherwise absorbs your vagina’s natural fluids.
  • In addition, use the right type of tampon. This depends on your blood loss. Do you bleed minimally? If so, use a less absorbent tampon. On the contrary, if you choose tampons that absorb extremely well during minimal bleeding you increase your chances of TSS. This is because the tampon then absorbs more liquids than it should.
  • Change the tampon on time. You can use most tampons for up to eight hours. Then remove it and immediately install a new one. This is also wise if you notice your tampon is full. By not changing the product in time, you increase your risk of toxic shock syndrome.
can you sleep with tampon in

What are good protection options for at night during your period?

So it’s best not to sleep with a tampon in during your period. Fortunately, other options are suitable, which you can read more about below:

OptionExplanation
Nighttime tamponThere are tampons designed specifically for the night. Still, you should change them regularly and not wear them for more than 8 hours.
Nighttime sanitary napkinsPanties designed specifically for nighttime are often longer and offer extra absorbency. Thus, they prevent leaks during your sleep.
Menstrual underwearMenstrual underwear contain absorbent layers that allow them to absorb large amounts of menstrual blood while you sleep.

There are also still women who choose to use a combination of these products for extra protection. In addition, it is important to remember that not all options work equally well for all women. Try what suits you and find out which way best suits your needs and comfort.


Can you sleep with a menstrual cup?

Another good option to provide protection for sleeping during your period is the menstrual cup. You can wear this product for up to 12 hours, making them suitable for use while you sleep. Also, you are then not at risk of getting TSS, which is the case with a tampon.

Want to sleep with a menstrual cup? Then read the following tips:

  • Empty the cup before bedtime: Make sure to empty the menstrual cup before bedtime to provide maximum capacity and prevent leakage.
  • Insert cup correctly: Make sure the menstrual cup is inserted correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Proper placement ensures a good seal and prevents leakage.
  • Check capacity: If your menstrual cup has a high capacity, you probably don’t need to worry about leaks during the night. But if your menstrual cup has a smaller capacity, you may need to check and empty more often, depending on your menstrual pattern.
  • Comfortable positioning: Some people find it more comfortable to insert the menstrual cup lower during the night. Experiment with the placement to see what is most comfortable for you.

Frequently asked questions about: Can you sleep with tampon in?

Why no sleeping with a tampon?

Although it is in principle possible to sleep with a tampon, it is not recommended. This is because you are at increased risk of getting TSS, or toxic shock syndrome. Prevent this by changing your tampon for a new one at least within eight hours.

Can you sleep with a tampon?

You can possibly sleep with a tampon in, although a few rules apply here. Thus, it is important to insert it just before you go to bed. In addition, it is also essential not to wear the tampon for more than eight hours. Therefore, if you stick to this, it is possible to sleep with a tampon in.

How do you know when your tampon is full?

Check if your tampon is full by gently pulling the cord. Is your tampon moving? If so, replace best. This is not necessary if the tampon stays in place properly and thus does not move at all. The product is then not yet full and can therefore be used for a while.

Can you sleep with tampon in? Conclusion

By itself, you can choose to sleep with a tampon in. Yet this is not always wise, especially if you plan to sleep out. In fact, you should not wear the tampon for more than 8 hours before you need to change it. In fact, if you don’t, you run the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

There are a few products you can wear at night during your period that will prevent you from getting this condition. Consider a menstrual cup, for example, as well as menstrual underwear and overnight pads.