Engorged breasts can make sleeping difficult. A person may wish to try expressing some milk before going to bed to make the breasts less painful. Placing cold compresses on the engorged breasts before going to bed may also ease swelling and relieve discomfort.
People may find the following beneficial:
sleeping in a slightly reclined position on elevated pillows to take some pressure off the breasts
avoiding sleeping on the stomach
wearing a supportive nighttime nursing bra