It seems simple enough, but you might not really know how to sleep on your period. And that's because sleeping during that week is not without its challenges. First of all you could run into leaks, especially if you don't have the right kind of overnight protection. Then, there's the issue of cramps keeping you up all night in pain. But it turns out you can combat both of these issues by sleeping in the correct position while you're on your period.

In fact, we asked a few experts about the best way to sleep when you're on your period, and they unanimously agreed on one position: the fetal position. "Sleeping in the fetal position takes pressure off the abdominal muscles," explains Lisa Lindley, M.D., board-certified gynecologist with Eisenhower Women's Health. Jennifer Wider, M.D., agrees. "Many women report that the fetal position can help relieve cramps," she explains. The fetal positions helps, she explains, because the skeletal muscles around your abdomen relax, and less tension leads to fewer cramps and less pain.

According to the research team for the period-tracking app Clue, this position has another benefit besides easing cramps: your legs are squeezed together, which decreases the chances that blood could leak out.

If you can, one position you should probably avoid during your period is lying face-down. Being on your stomach can actually squeeze your uterus so that more blood comes out, increasing your changes of overnight leaks, says Dr. Wider.

If you're still experiencing trouble sleeping due to cramps, other ways to keep your period from waking you up are taking ibuprofen or naproxen starting a few days before your period to reduce the pain. You can also try showering or bathing before bed, using lavender-scented products, sleeping with a heating pad or hot water bottle, and stretching your abdomen before bedtime, says Dr. Lindley. If leaks are your issue, try using a menstrual cup, sleeping in period panties, or wearing a pad and tight underwear or shorts to keep it in place (Dr. Lindley doesn't recommend tampons because leaving them in overnight can cause infections).

With the right care, your period doesn't have to get in the way of your sleeping or waking life.