Gauging Sleep: Should I Remove Piercings Before Bed?

should i sleep without gauges

There are various opinions on whether or not one should sleep without gauges. Some people prefer to sleep with their gauges in, especially during the early stages of stretching, to prevent their earlobes from shrinking overnight. However, others find it uncomfortable to sleep with gauges in, especially as the lobes get larger, as they can dig into the head. Sleeping without gauges allows the earlobes to relax and promotes blood circulation, which is important for healthy and elastic earlobes. Additionally, sleeping without gauges can prevent them from falling out or getting tangled in hair during sleep. For those who are concerned about their earlobes shrinking, soft silicone tunnels or lightweight steel or titanium eyelets are recommended as comfortable and safe options for sleep.

Should I sleep without gauges?

Characteristics Values
Comfort Sleeping without gauges is more comfortable as gauges can be heavy and dig into the head.
Safety Gauges can fall out and cut the earlobe.
Earlobe health Sleeping without gauges allows the earlobes to relax, promotes blood circulation, and gives the tissue a chance to heal and breathe
Maintenance Earlobes can shrink overnight when sleeping without gauges, which may make it harder to put gauges back in.

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Silicone tunnels are a comfortable option for sleeping with stretched piercings

It is recommended to sleep without gauges to allow your earlobes to relax and promote blood circulation. However, if you have stretched piercings, you may want to keep your jewellery in to prevent your piercings from closing up. In this case, silicone tunnels are a popular and comfortable option.

Silicone is a lightweight and soft material, making it a comfortable choice for sleeping with stretched piercings. Its flexibility means it is less likely to poke or snag, reducing the risk of irritation or injury. This is especially important when sleeping, as earrings can get pushed into your ear while you are snoozing.

Some people find that their silicone tunnels fall out during sleep, but this is not always the case. It is recommended to choose silicone tunnels with thicker walls, as these are less likely to collapse or fall out. It is also important to ensure that the silicone tunnels are high quality, as low-quality material may be porous and hold bacteria.

In addition to being comfortable, silicone tunnels are a good option for sleeping with stretched piercings because they are easy to clean. It is important to keep your jewellery and piercings clean to prevent infection. Silicone tunnels can be easily removed for cleaning and disinfecting, and some people recommend using vitamin E oil or coconut oil to moisturise piercings before inserting silicone tunnels.

While silicone tunnels are a popular choice for sleeping with stretched piercings, they may not work for everyone. Some people have reported issues with irritation and tearing when using silicone tunnels. Glass, wood, and horn are alternative materials that some people find more comfortable for sleeping with stretched piercings. Ultimately, the best option for you may depend on your personal preferences and what works best for your ears.

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Metal jewellery can be uncomfortable to sleep in

If you are set on wearing metal jewellery to sleep in, it is recommended to opt for lightweight steel or titanium eyelets. Flat-back labrets, short barbells, or clicker rings are also recommended for lobes and cartilage as they are less likely to poke or get caught.

However, it is generally advised to sleep without metal jewellery. This gives the earlobes a chance to heal and relax, promoting blood circulation and overall ear health. If you are concerned about your piercings closing up overnight, you can try sleeping with soft silicone tunnels or plugs. These are lightweight and comfortable, reducing the risk of injury to your earlobes.

If you are in the process of stretching your piercings, it is recommended to leave the plugs in at all times until the piercings are fully healed. This typically takes around eight weeks. After this period, you can start taking out your plugs for sleep or showers. However, be aware that your piercings may shrink a bit overnight, and you may need to gently manipulate your plugs to get them back in the next day.

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Holes can tighten and shrink overnight if jewellery is removed

It is perfectly safe to sleep without gauges, and it is actually recommended to allow your earlobes to rest and heal. Holes can tighten and shrink overnight if jewellery is removed, but this is not a cause for concern. It is normal for piercings to shrink or close over time, and this will depend on factors such as the type of piercing, its age, and individual variation. However, as long as you are not constantly stretching the hole back open, there is no harm in letting your piercings shrink a little. In fact, some people choose to sleep without jewellery to prevent self-stretching and keep their piercings at their goal size.

If you are concerned about your piercings shrinking, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, wait for your piercings to fully heal before removing your jewellery for extended periods. Secondly, if you are at a larger size, you may need to wear something in your ears at night, such as flexible silicone tunnels, to prevent your lobes from getting pinched or injured during sleep. Finally, if you find that your piercings have tightened, use an insertion taper to help guide your jewellery back in.

It is worth noting that some people find it more comfortable to sleep with their jewellery in, especially if they are at a smaller size. In this case, soft silicone tunnels or plugs are recommended as they are lightweight and reduce the risk of poking or snagging during sleep. Simple styles, such as flat back labrets, short barbells, or clicker rings, are also good options for comfort and safety. Additionally, if you have fresh piercings that are feeling sore, a donut or neck pillow can help relieve pressure and provide a more comfortable sleeping position.

Overall, whether you choose to sleep with or without your gauges is a personal preference, and there are valid reasons for both choices. Just be sure to always prioritise the health and safety of your piercings, and remember to keep your jewellery clean to maintain good ear hygiene.

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Piercings should be fully healed before removing jewellery for sleep

It is generally recommended to wait until piercings are fully healed before removing jewellery for sleep. This can take around eight weeks, and during this time, it is important to treat the piercings as if they are fresh and leave the plugs in at all times.

Once the piercings are healed, it is beneficial to take out the jewellery at night. This gives the tissue a chance to breathe and promotes blood circulation, leading to healthier earlobes. Removing jewellery while sleeping can also prevent it from getting tangled in your hair or accidentally pulling on the piercing.

However, if you are at your desired size and have been for a few months, it is essential to be aware that the piercings may shrink slightly overnight, and you may need to gently manipulate the plugs to get them back in the next morning. This issue tends to resolve over time, and the piercings will shrink less and less.

If you are not yet at your desired size, removing your jewellery at night can help prevent self-stretching. Additionally, if you move around a lot in your sleep, you may want to consider different plugs or sleeping more stationary to prevent the jewellery from falling out.

To summarise, it is best to wait until your piercings are fully healed before removing your jewellery for sleep. This will ensure that your piercings are comfortable, healthy, and less prone to potential issues.

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It is important to choose the right jewellery to avoid discomfort and injury

If you are at your desired size and have been for a few months, it is generally safe to sleep without gauges. This gives the tissue a chance to breathe and promotes blood circulation. It is also more comfortable, as gauges can dig into your head or fall out and cut your lobe. However, if your piercings are not fully healed, or if you are still stretching, it is important to keep the plugs in to prevent injury or infection.

If you choose to sleep with your gauges out, it is recommended to start slowly, with an hour or two a day, and gradually increase the time. You can also try taking them out during the day while you are in the shower, as the hot water will make it easier to get the plugs back in.

When choosing jewellery to sleep in, it is important to avoid anything with spikes or sharp edges, as these can poke or jab you in your sleep. Simple styles are best; flat-back labrets, short barbells, or clicker rings are all comfortable options. Soft silicone tunnels or plugs are also a good choice, as they are light and soft and less likely to fall out or cause injury. If you have fresh piercings that are feeling sore, a donut or neck pillow can help take the pressure off your ears while you sleep.

Frequently asked questions

It is not bad to sleep without gauges. In fact, it is recommended to allow your earlobes to rest and heal.

If you are set on sleeping with gauges in, it is recommended to use soft silicone tunnels as they are comfortable and less likely to fall out.

If you are new to stretching, it is recommended to wait until your ears are healed before sleeping without gauges. Start by taking them out for an hour or two a day and work your way up.

Your piercings may shrink or close a little overnight, and you may need to gently manipulate your gauges to get them back in. However, over time, they will shrink less, and you will have no problems getting your jewellery back in in the morning.

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