This rare but serious bacterial infection can cause life-threatening symptoms to develop.

This is especially true if youre wearing one with the lowest absorbency rate for your flow.

Any longer than that, and the risk of developing abacterial infectionincreases significantly.

Woman holding tampon

Piyapong Thongcharoen / Getty Images

Wearing a sanitary pad during longer periods of sleep can eliminate the risk of bacterial infections.

What If I Accidentally Sleep Longer Than Eight Hours?

Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any of the TSS symptoms mentioned above.

A healthcare provider should also address vaginal irritation after sleeping with a tampon for longer than eight hours.

Tampon Absorbency: How Long Do They Last?

Tampon absorbency varies depending on how heavy or light a persons flow is at that time.

However, you dont want to choose one too absorbent for your flow.

Sleeping With Pads: Different Than Tampons?

Many people forgo wearingpadsduring their periods because they are often more uncomfortable than tampons.

That said, they also come with a risk of developing TSS if left in too long.

Pads often have overnight options that can be used for light, regular, or super flow rates.

These variations make sanitary pads the most viable option for overnight protection during your period.

Summary

Wearing a tampon to bed usually is safe if not worn for longer than eight hours.

Extended tampon use can lead to the risk of bacterial infections, including toxic shock syndrome.

Sleep Foundation.Can you sleep with a tampon in?

doi:10.1007/978-981-15-0614-7_51

Health Link BC.Toxic shock syndrome.