Doctors have discovered a sleeping position that relieves period pain.

Attempting to go to sleep while you feel as though someone is repeatedly stabbing you in the uterus is rather unpleasant.

I’ve had my period arrive late at night, at a time when no Naprogesic or even Nurofen is at hand. It’s absolute torture.

But thanks to research published by Glamour magazine – I have a new tactic up my sleeve that doesn’t involve medication.

Gynaecologists Lisa Lindley and Jennifer Wider say that the best way to sleep when you’re on your period is curled up in the foetal position.

"Sleeping in the foetal position takes pressure off the abdominal muscles," says Dr Lindley.

"Many women report that the foetal position can help relieve cramps," adds Dr Wider.

This configuration relaxes the skeletal muscles around the abdomen, and in relieving tension, lessens cramps and pain.

The additional benefit of lying in the foetal position, with your legs pressed together, is that it prevents, um, leakage.

The worst sleeping position for period pain is lying face-down. Being on your stomach can irritate the uterus and, in fact, increase your chances of the ol' leak.

Pressure on your stomach means an increase in flow - one thing absolutely no one wants.

Dr Lindley adds that showering or having a bath, sleeping with a hot water bottle, or stretching your abdomen right before bedtime can help in reducing period pain.