Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping on a new piercing can be uncomfortable and painful, and it may even damage the piercing. It is recommended that you sleep on your back to keep pressure off the piercing and minimise irritation and pain. If you are a side sleeper, you can use a travel pillow to protect your new piercing. Before going to bed, it is crucial to clean your new piercing to prevent infection and keep it lubricated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping position | Sleeping on the back is recommended to avoid putting pressure on the piercing. |
| Pillow | Using a travel pillow with a U-shaped design can help relieve pressure on the piercing. |
| Pillowcase | Using a smooth pillowcase can reduce the risk of snagging the piercing. |
| Hair | Keeping long hair pulled back or braided can prevent it from getting tangled in the piercing. |
| Piercing jewellery | Choosing small, flat studs made from hypoallergenic materials can reduce discomfort and the risk of entanglement. |
| Cleaning | Cleaning the piercing 2-3 times a day for the first few weeks and then once a day until it's fully healed can help prevent infection. |
| Healing time | The healing time for a new piercing can vary from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type and location of the piercing. |
| Risks | Sleeping on a new piercing can cause skin irritation, pain, headaches, and infections. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
You should keep studs in new piercings
It is important to keep studs in new piercings so that the new hole doesn't close up. You'll need to keep these small studs in for at least six weeks, or longer, or until your piercer gives you the go-ahead to remove them. The piercing may feel fine on the outside, but the interior may still be healing.
While your 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 for several weeks as the piercing heals. You shouldn’t take out new piercings—even at night—because the holes can close up. If this happens, you’ll have to wait several more weeks for the skin to heal before you can get the area re-pierced.
To decrease the risk of snagging your piercing on hair, clothing, or bedding, ask your piercer to use flat studs, as opposed to those with jewels and other jagged edges. If you have long hair, make sure you sleep with it pulled back and away from your ears to avoid unpleasant snags and tangles. Braids work well for this.
While your piercing heals, it's crucial to keep it clean to prevent infection. Clean your piercing two to three times a day for the first few weeks, and then once a day until the piercing is fully healed. To clean your piercing, soak a clean cotton ball or piece of gauze in a saline solution, and gently clean around the piercing. Avoid twisting or turning the jewellery, as this can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
Once your piercing is fully healed, you can switch to wearing hoop earrings. However, it is recommended that you wait at least three months before doing so, and that you wait until your piercings are a year old before wearing large hoops.
Preferred Parking Perks at Sleep Train Amphitheater
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to sleep with a new piercing
Sleeping with a new piercing can be uncomfortable, but there are some tips and tricks to help you get a good night's rest. Firstly, it's important to keep the piercing stud in so that the new hole doesn't close up. Ask your piercer to use flat studs, as they are less likely to get caught on something. Make sure to clean your new piercing 2-3 times a day for the first few weeks and then once a day until it is fully healed. Use a sterile saline solution to gently clean around the piercing, without twisting or turning the jewelry. This will help prevent infection and keep the piercing lubricated and comfortable when sleeping.
Before going to bed, it's crucial to avoid sleeping on the same side as your new piercing, as this can cause pain and pressure, and even shift the direction or angle of the piercing. If you find it challenging to train yourself to sleep on the other side, try propping pillows around you to keep you in place. Alternatively, you can use a ""U"-shaped travel pillow, which allows your ears to stick out and helps relieve pressure on the piercing. If you have long hair, make sure to pull it back to avoid any unpleasant snags and tangles.
Once your piercing is healed, you can start sleeping on it again. Use a smooth pillowcase to reduce the potential for snagging your piercing at night. Change your pillowcase frequently, especially while the piercing is healing, to prevent skin cells, oils, and makeup from irritating your piercing.
Rolling Up Your Sleep Cell Sleeping Bag: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cleaning your new piercing
It is important to keep your new piercing clean to prevent infection and allow it to heal. Before touching your piercing, always wash your hands with warm water and gentle soap to avoid introducing bacteria to the area. Clean your piercing 2-3 times a day for the first few weeks, then once a day until it is fully healed. You can clean it with a saline solution, which you can buy at most drugstores, or make yourself by mixing 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of warm distilled water. Soak a clean cotton ball or swab in the solution and gently dab or clean around the piercing, avoiding twisting or turning the jewellery. You can also use mild soap and water to clean your piercing, as long as the soap contains no alcohol or perfumes. Dry the piercing with a clean towel or tissue and avoid cleaning it in bathrooms, especially public ones.
In addition to keeping your piercing clean, there are several other things you can do to ensure your piercing heals properly. Try to avoid sleeping on your new piercing, as this can cause irritation and even shift the direction of the piercing. If possible, sleep on your back, and use a travel pillow to help relieve pressure on the piercing. If you have long hair, keep it tied back to avoid unpleasant snags and tangles. Be careful when brushing or styling your hair, and if you are going to a salon, let them know you have a healing piercing. Avoid touching your piercing, as this can introduce bacteria and dirt, which can lead to infection.
Mastering the Art of Daily Priorities: Eating, Sleeping, and More
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The risks of sleeping on a new piercing
Sleeping on a new piercing can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. It can also lead to other issues, such as:
Infection and Bacteria: Since a new piercing is technically a small wound, sleeping directly on it can trap bacteria in the wound, increasing the risk of infection. To prevent this, it's important to keep the piercing clean and avoid touching it.
Irritation and Inflammation: The skin surrounding a new piercing is susceptible to irritation. Sleeping directly on the piercing can exacerbate this, causing further irritation and inflammation. This can also lead to painful irritation bumps.
Snagging and Tearing: Earrings, hair, and bedding can get tangled or caught in a new piercing, especially if it's a stud or hoop earring. This can result in torn earlobes or damaged piercings.
Misaligned Piercing: Sleeping on a new piercing can put pressure on it, causing it to heal crookedly or altering the direction of the piercing.
Headaches: Sleeping directly on a new ear piercing can cause headaches due to the pressure exerted on the head during sleep.
To minimise these risks, it's recommended to sleep on your back, use flat studs or silicone plugs instead of large earrings, and keep your hair pulled back. A travel pillow can also help relieve pressure on the piercing. Additionally, cleaning the piercing regularly with a saline solution can prevent infection and promote healing.
Betta Behavior Basics: Sleeping Patterns and Health
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Healing times for new piercings
It is important to keep the stud in a new piercing so that the new hole doesn't close up. This means keeping the stud in at all times, including when you sleep, for at least six weeks or until your piercer advises otherwise. However, it is best to avoid sleeping on the piercing itself, as this can cause irritation, pain, and discomfort. It can also slow down the healing process.
To help your piercing heal properly, it is recommended to sleep on your back, especially if the piercing is on one of your sides. A U-shaped travel pillow can help relieve pressure on the piercing. If you have long hair, it is also advisable to sleep with it pulled back to avoid unpleasant snags and tangles.
The healing time for new piercings varies depending on the type of piercing and individual factors, such as overall health, sleep and stress levels, and aftercare practices. For example, earlobe piercings typically take around four to six months to heal fully, while upper or inner ear piercings can take between six to twelve months or even longer. During the initial healing period, the piercing may appear healed on the outside, but the interior may still be healing.
To ensure optimal healing, it is crucial to keep your piercing clean. Clean your piercing two to three times a day for the first few weeks and then once a day until it is fully healed. Use a sterile saline solution, either purchased from a drugstore or made at home by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with eight ounces of warm distilled water. Soak a clean cotton ball or piece of gauze in the solution and gently clean around the piercing, avoiding twisting or turning the jewellery.
In addition to cleaning your piercing regularly, it is important to avoid touching it as much as possible, as this can introduce bacteria and dirt, leading to infection. Be mindful of this when brushing or styling your hair, and if you are visiting a salon, inform them that you have a healing piercing so they can take extra care.
Keepers' Work on Sleepers: Strategies for Effective Maintenance
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Sleeping on a new piercing can cause pain, discomfort and irritation. It can also get snagged on your bedding or hair, risking tearing your earlobe. If you sleep on the same side as your new piercing, it can put pressure on the piercing, which may lead to headaches.
Try to sleep on your back to keep pressure off your new piercing. You can also use a travel pillow to protect your new piercing.
Clean your piercing 2-3 times a day for the first few weeks, then once a day until it's fully healed. Use a sterile saline solution to clean the piercing and avoid twisting or turning the jewellery.
Avoid wearing earrings made with nickel, especially if you have a known allergy. Large hoops and dangle or drop-style earrings can also increase the risk of painful side effects.
