Evie Summers
Whether or not you should take off your earrings when you sleep depends on several factors, including the type of earrings, the age of your piercings, and your sleeping position. While it is generally recommended to remove earrings before sleeping to prevent skin irritation, infection, and tearing of the earlobe, there are exceptions. For instance, with new piercings, it is advised to keep small studs in for at least six weeks to prevent the holes from closing up. Additionally, specialty earring backings, such as flat studs or screw back earrings, can provide more comfort and security when sleeping with earrings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| New piercings | Should not be taken out for the first 6 weeks or longer, or until your piercer gives you the go-ahead. |
| Old piercings | Should not wear earrings made with nickel, large hoops, or drop-style earrings. |
| Studs | Pose less risk than other earrings, but hair, clothing, and bedding can get wrapped around them. |
| Health risks | Skin irritation, skin infections, and painful side effects. |
| Disadvantages | Earrings apply pressure to your face, can get lost, and can damage bedding. |
| Advantages | No open hole for bacteria to enter, protection from earrings being lost or swallowed by pets, and security of knowing their location. |
| Comfort | Specialty earring backings, sleeping position, and pillows can help. Sleeper earrings are specifically designed for sleeping. |
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What You'll Learn
The advantages of sleeping with earrings in
While it is generally recommended to take off earrings before going to bed, there are some advantages to sleeping with earrings in. Firstly, it can provide psychological comfort and a sense of security, especially if the earrings hold sentimental value. Additionally, with new piercings, it is crucial to keep small studs in for at least six weeks or until the piercer advises otherwise. This prevents the piercing hole from closing up and acts as protection against bacteria entering the wound.
For those who find removing earrings time-consuming, awkward, or frustrating, sleeping with earrings in can streamline their bedtime routine. It also eliminates the risk of losing earrings while sleeping, which can happen if one tosses and turns during the night.
To ensure comfort and safety, it is recommended to opt for small, lightweight studs or huggie hoops made from hypoallergenic materials like surgical stainless steel, titanium, or niobium. These materials minimise irritation and the risk of allergic reactions. Flat or dome-shaped studs are particularly comfortable as they do not poke the skin. It is also important to clean the earrings and the pierced area before sleeping to avoid infections.
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The disadvantages of sleeping with earrings in
There are several disadvantages to sleeping with earrings in. Firstly, earrings can cause discomfort and pressure on the ear, especially if they have butterfly backs or sharp edges. This can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. Secondly, earrings can increase the risk of skin irritation and infection. This is due to the build-up of bacteria and the prolonged pressure on the earlobe, which can also lead to painful side effects. Thirdly, there is a risk of the earring getting caught on bedding or hair, potentially tearing the earlobe. Large earrings or styles with openings, such as hoops and dangly earrings, further increase this risk. Additionally, earrings can fall out while sleeping, especially during tossing and turning, leading to the potential loss of expensive jewellery. Finally, earrings can also cause frequent headaches, especially for side sleepers, as the earring can press against the head and cause discomfort.
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The best earrings to sleep in
It is generally recommended to take off your earrings before going to sleep. However, if you have a new piercing, you should keep the studs in for at least six weeks or until your piercer advises otherwise. In this case, flat studs are preferable to studs with jewels or jagged edges, as hair, clothing, and bedding can get caught in these earrings and cause issues. Flat studs are also better at minimising discomfort, especially if you sleep on your side. Titanium flat-back labrets are also a good option, as they are comfortable and less likely to irritate the skin or harbour bacteria.
If you don't want to sleep with studs, sleeper hoops or huggie earrings are good alternatives. Sleeper hoops are smooth hoops with a hidden hinged side, while huggie earrings are small hoops that tightly "hug" your earlobe. Both options are comfortable and safe to sleep in.
If you're looking for earrings that you can sleep in every night, ComfyEarrings are specifically designed for this purpose. They are comfortable and affordable, and they come in a range of styles.
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How to care for your earrings and piercings before and after sleep
Before sleep
If you have a new ear piercing, it is recommended to sleep with your earrings in to prevent the piercing from closing. This can make it difficult, if not impossible, to reinsert your earring. The healing time for a piercing varies depending on the location of the piercing, your overall health, sleep and stress levels, and your aftercare regimen. For example, ear lobe piercings generally take around 4-6 months to fully heal, whereas helix or pinna piercings take around 3-4 months.
To prepare for sleep with a new piercing, it is recommended to:
- Choose small studs as opposed to larger earrings. Smaller studs are less likely to cause pain and discomfort and are also less likely to get caught in your hair or on your pillow.
- Avoid jewellery containing metals you are allergic to, such as nickel.
- Wash your bedding and change it regularly.
- Wear clean, comfortable, and breathable clothing that protects your piercing while you sleep.
After sleep
In the morning, it is important to maintain the cleanliness of your piercing. Here are some recommended steps:
- Wash your hands before touching your new ear piercing.
- Gently wash your ear piercing with a fragrance-free soap at least once per day.
- Rinse thoroughly with water to remove any residual soap.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the surface of the piercing to aid in faster healing.
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What to do if you experience skin irritation or infection
If you experience skin irritation or infection, it is recommended to remove your earrings and consult a healthcare professional. Over-the-counter (OTC) creams and ointments can help soothe skin irritation, and oral antihistamines can help manage symptoms like itching.
To prevent skin irritation or infection, it is important to keep your earrings clean to avoid the buildup of bacteria and other allergens. Use a gentle cleanser and a soft cloth to clean your earrings regularly. It is also recommended to clean the skin around the studs two to three times per day with a saline solution or gentle soap and water.
If you have a new piercing, it is important to leave the studs in for several weeks as the piercing heals. You can help minimise discomfort by sleeping on your back instead of your side. New piercings are made with professional-grade materials that are hypoallergenic, so you can safely leave them in as the piercing heals.
If you experience symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, or a rash around the pierced area, it is important to remove your earrings and seek medical attention if necessary. These symptoms could indicate an allergy to the metal in the earrings, with nickel being the most common allergen. Other materials that can cause allergies include cobalt, chromium, copper, brass, and even some plastics.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally recommended that you take off your earrings before sleeping to avoid health issues such as skin irritation and infection. However, if you have a new piercing, you should keep the earrings in for at least 6 weeks or until your piercer says otherwise.
During sleep, earrings can get caught on your bedding or hair, risking tearing your earlobe. Large earrings or styles with openings can increase this risk. Earrings can also cause pressure on your face when you lean on it and can get lost if they fall out while sleeping.
Keeping earrings in can prevent the piercing hole from closing and can offer some protection by keeping the hole closed so bacteria can't enter. It can also be a good way to keep your earrings safe, especially if you don't live alone or have pets.
Sleeper earrings are specifically designed to be comfortable to sleep in. They are continuous hoops that lie flat against the ear, allowing for mobility to prevent the piercing from growing around the earring.
Flat studs or sleeper earrings are the most comfortable options for sleeping. If you have a new piercing, you can ask your piercer to use flat studs instead of those with jewels or jagged edges.
