Herbie Murray
Sleeping with earrings on is a personal preference. While some people find earrings intrusive and unnecessary and can sleep without them, others believe earrings help them sleep better by reducing noise and regulating body temperature. People with piercings should be cautious, though, as piercings are wounds that need time to heal, and earrings should not be removed for at least six weeks to prevent bacterial infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ear piercings healing time | 6 weeks to 1 year |
| Avoiding infection | Use a saline solution twice a day |
| Use Bactine or rubbing alcohol | |
| Throw hair up at night to prevent bacteria transfer | |
| Use yellow gold earrings | |
| Avoid white gold earrings | |
| Avoid tight or restrictive clothing around piercings | |
| Use a travel pillow or earring pillow | |
| Avoid sleeping on your side |
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What You'll Learn
Piercings can close up
Even after the piercing has healed, the hole can still close up without jewellery. Older piercings may take longer to close, but the time varies from person to person. To prevent the piercing from closing, it is recommended to keep a small stud in the piercing site and rotate it regularly with a product like Aquaphor or Vaseline for lubrication.
If you need to remove your jewellery for an extended period, it is important to keep the piercing clean and regularly cared for to prevent infection and tissue regeneration. Even after the piercing has closed, it may still be possible to reopen it with the help of a professional piercer.
To avoid closing the piercing hole, it is recommended to leave earrings in for at least six months to a year before going without them. During the first year, it is also suggested to wear 14K yellow gold earrings as yellow gold is purer than most metals. White gold, for example, may be mixed with nickel, which could lead to an allergic reaction or infection.
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Risk of infection
While sleeping with earrings in can be convenient, it poses several risks, including infections. In fact, wearing earrings for extended periods, especially while sleeping, can lead to an infection if the earrings or piercings are not cleaned regularly. The earrings, especially those with jagged edges, can cause small sores on the skin, which can become infected.
The combination of metal and sweat can create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to rashes, redness, and even infection. Metals like nickel, which are added to gold and silver, can be extremely irritating. Even though gold and silver might seem safe, they usually have other metals mixed in. Additionally, sweat, dirt, and oils can accumulate around the piercing, leading to inflammation.
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, sleeping in earrings can exacerbate these issues. Materials like nickel, often found in costume jewellery, can trigger irritation or allergic dermatitis. You might wake up with redness, itching, or swelling around your piercings, and this discomfort can persist.
To prevent infections, it is crucial to maintain good hygiene. Clean your earrings regularly with an antiseptic solution to remove any buildup of dirt or bacteria. Likewise, clean your ears gently with soap and water or an antiseptic solution to ensure they remain free from infections. Opt for hypoallergenic options like titanium or surgical stainless steel to minimize irritation.
If you have a new piercing, you may need to leave your earrings in overnight for several weeks to prevent the piercing from closing. In this case, make sure to wear earrings specifically designed for new piercings, which are usually made of hypoallergenic materials and have flat backs to minimize irritation.
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Earrings can affect sleep quality
Earrings can significantly affect sleep quality. While some people believe that earrings can help reduce noise and regulate body temperature, improving sleep quality, others find earrings to be an intrusive and unnecessary part of their daily life, choosing to sleep without them.
For those with piercings, it is generally recommended to keep earrings in for at least six weeks to prevent the piercing from closing up. Some recommend keeping them in for up to a year to minimize irritation and the chance of the piercing closing. However, leaving earrings in overnight can cause discomfort and pain, especially if the piercing is still fresh. In such cases, it may be beneficial to switch to more comfortable earrings or try sleeping on your back to reduce pressure on the piercing.
To prevent infection, it is crucial to maintain a proper cleaning routine for new piercings. This includes using a saline solution twice a day and keeping hair away from the piercing, especially during sleep. Additionally, it is advised to avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing around the piercing while sleeping, as this can cause tension and further discomfort.
Overall, earrings can impact sleep quality, and it is a personal preference whether to sleep with or without them. Some may find earrings comfortable and helpful for sleep, while others may view them as a distraction or source of discomfort. It is important to prioritize comfort and hygiene to ensure a good night's rest.
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Earrings can be uncomfortable
The style of earring backs can also contribute to discomfort. Friction backs, also known as push backs or butterfly backs, are the most common type, using tension to grip the earring post. However, they can cause pain and redness if they are too tight, restricting circulation. It is recommended to leave a small air gap between the earring back and the earlobe to ensure comfort and proper airflow. Additionally, the space between the earring back and the ear can harbour yeast and bacteria, leading to potential infections. Thicker and heavier metal backs are generally more secure and durable, reducing the risk of such issues.
The type of metal used in earrings is another crucial consideration. Many people are allergic to certain metals, commonly nickel, which is often used to strengthen jewellery. Allergic reactions can range from localized rashes to more severe infections and keloids, which are external scar tissues that can be cosmetically challenging. If you suspect a nickel allergy, it is best to opt for nickel-free alternatives, such as titanium, which is durable and holds its spring tension for years.
Additionally, it is worth noting that earrings can be uncomfortable during sleep, especially if they are not designed for comfort. It is recommended to leave earrings in for at least a year after piercing to prevent the holes from closing up. However, even with healed piercings, earrings with flat back labret-style posts are generally more comfortable for sleeping in.
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Jewellery choices
When it comes to jewellery choices, there are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to sleep without earrings. Firstly, it is important to consider the type of earrings you are wearing. If you have recently had your ears pierced, it is recommended that you keep your earrings in for at least six weeks to prevent the piercing from closing up and to avoid bacterial infections. Some sources suggest keeping earrings in for up to a year to minimise irritation and decrease the chance of the piercing closing.
During the initial healing period, it is best to wear high-quality earrings made from pure metals such as 14K yellow gold. It is recommended to avoid white gold as it may contain nickel, which could potentially cause an allergic reaction or infection, depending on skin sensitivity. It is also important to keep your earrings and the piercing site clean to prevent infections. This can be done by using a saline solution or other recommended cleaning products.
After the initial healing period, you may want to consider switching to more comfortable earrings for sleeping. There are special earring pillows available that can help reduce discomfort. If you are a side sleeper, you may want to try sleeping on your back to reduce pressure on your earlobes.
Some people choose to sleep without earrings because they find them uncomfortable or distracting. Removing earrings before sleep can be a gradual process, starting with small changes such as wearing less jewellery during the day or choosing more muted pieces. It may take some time for your body to adjust to sleeping without earrings, so it is important to be patient and experiment with different options to find what works best for you.
Overall, the decision to sleep with or without earrings is a personal choice. It is important to consider factors such as the healing process of piercings, comfort, and personal preferences when making jewellery choices.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you keep your earrings in for at least six weeks to avoid getting a bacterial infection. Some sources suggest keeping them in for up to a year, as piercings can close up extremely fast.
To prevent bacteria from transferring from your hair to your new piercings, try pulling your hair back and away from your ears at night, especially during the first month. Clean your piercings twice a day with a saline solution, and twist the earrings while they are wet.
Jewelers suggest wearing 14K yellow gold earrings during the first year because yellow gold is more pure than most metals. Avoid white gold, as it may be mixed with nickel, which could lead to an infection.
Consider switching to your back to keep pressure off your piercings. You can also try using a travel pillow or an earring pillow.
Some people find earrings to be a distraction when sleeping, and believe that sleeping without them improves their quality of sleep.
