Best sleeping position for external hemorrhoids

From chronic itching to excruciating pain, your hemorrhoids may cause a lot of discomfort that can affect your day-to-day activities, as well as your sleep.

At Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Creve Coeur, Missouri, our experienced physician, Dr. Betsy Clemens, has more than two decades of experience helping those suffering with hemorrhoids get relief. We want to share with you some of our best at-home treatments to help you manage your hemorrhoid symptoms. 

Keeping yourself comfortable during the day

Though hemorrhoid symptoms vary depending on the location and type, if you have external hemorrhoids, a thrombosed hemorrhoid (formation of blood clot in your hemorrhoid), or a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid (internal hemorrhoid that protrudes through your anus), simple things like sitting at your desk at work can cause extreme discomfort. For immediate pain relief, we recommend oral pain relievers or topical treatments such as an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or witch hazel. We may also prescribe a numbing cream to ease your pain.

To reduce irritation, you should wear clean, cotton underwear and loose-fitted clothing to help keep the area dry. Moisture may lead to itching and irritation. If you find it too difficult to sit in your office chair, you may want to invest in a donut cushion to ease the pressure on your backside. 

At home, soak in a warm sitz bath for 10–15 minutes a few times a day to relieve itching, muscle spasms, and pain. You can find a sitz bath tub at your local pharmacy that fits over your toilet to make the process easier. 

Getting restful sleep without triggering hemorrhoid pain

Depending on your preferred sleeping position, your hemorrhoid pain can make it difficult for you to get a good night’s rest. In addition to clean cotton underwear and loose-fitting pajamas, we recommend you sleep on your stomach to reduce anal pain and place a pillow under your hips to prevent yourself from rolling over onto your back. 

A full-body sitz bath right before bed may also ease discomfort, help you feel more relaxed, and make it easier for you to fall asleep. In addition, reading or listening to soothing music may take your mind off your hemorrhoids and your discomfort, which may help you get to sleep faster.

At-home treatments to relieve the suffering

Constipation, sitting too long on the toilet, and straining while you go are some of the most common causes of hemorrhoids. To help you get relief from your hemorrhoids we also suggest you take steps to address the underyling cause of your swollen anal veins.

To improve bowel movements, we recommend you add more fiber to your diet. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends women aim for 25 grams of fiber a day and men 38 grams. However, you need to add it in slowly or your constipation may get worse before it gets better. 

Good food sources of fiber include:

• Whole grains such as oats, whole-wheat bread, quinoa, popcorn, and barley
• Raspberries, strawberries, pears, and oranges
• Leafy greens, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts
• Beans and lentils

Regular exercise can also stimulate bowel movements and relieve the straining that leads to hemorrhoids. Aim for 20–30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity most days of the week, such as a brisk walk.

When adding fiber and exercise, you also want to make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your stools soft and easy to pass. 

If you’re still suffering despite your at-home efforts, we can provide treatments to get rid of your hemorrhoids and alleviate your pain, including infrared coagulation (IRC) treatment or a thrombectomy. 

To learn more and to get expert relief from your hemorrhoid pain, call us at 636-228-3136 or contact us online today.

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