Miya Pearson
Whether or not you can take your earrings out to sleep depends on a few factors, such as the age of your piercing and the type of earrings you're wearing. Generally, it's recommended to keep earrings in for at least six weeks after getting a new piercing to prevent the hole from closing up. During this initial healing period, it's important to follow your piercer's aftercare instructions, which may include cleaning the skin around the studs with a saline solution or gentle soap and water. Once your piercing has healed, you can typically take your earrings out at night, although it's recommended to avoid leaving them out for longer than 24 hours during the first six months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| General recommendation | It is generally recommended that earrings are removed before sleeping. |
| New piercings | New piercings should be kept in for 6 weeks or longer, or until your piercer gives you the OK. |
| Old piercings | Older piercings should avoid wearing earrings made with nickel, as well as large hoops and dangle or drop-style earrings. |
| Infection risk | Leaving earrings in overnight can increase the risk of infection. Signs of infection include redness accompanied by a rash. |
| Allergic reactions | Wearing earrings overnight could increase the risk of an allergic reaction to nickel. |
| Lost earrings | Earrings can fall out while sleeping, especially if tossing and turning, and may be lost. |
| Discomfort | Earrings can cause discomfort while sleeping, especially for side sleepers. |
| Hair risk | Hair can get caught in earrings, potentially leading to lost earrings, ear pain, or injury. |
| Skin irritation | Wearing earrings overnight can cause skin irritation and infections. |
| Pillow considerations | A soft pillow is recommended to accommodate earrings, and specialist pillows are also available. |
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What You'll Learn
New piercings: Keep earrings in for 6 weeks or more
New piercings need to be cared for and looked after, and one of the most important things to do is to keep the earrings in for at least six weeks or more. This is to ensure that the piercing doesn't close up. While your piercing is healing, it is recommended to sleep on your back to minimise any discomfort. If you sleep on your side, the earring can press against your head and cause pain.
It is advised to keep the same earrings in for the first six weeks, and these should be professional-grade, hypoallergenic earrings. You should also clean the piercing site two to three times a day with a saline solution or gentle soap and water. If you follow the aftercare instructions given by your piercer, sleeping with new earrings shouldn't cause any issues.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort with your new earrings, there are a few things you can do to make sleeping with them more comfortable. Firstly, you can ask your piercer to fit flat-back labrets or flat studs, which are designed to be more comfortable to sleep in. You can also try using a specialist pillow, such as a horseshoe pillow, which encourages back sleeping and takes the pressure off your ears.
It is important to be aware of the signs of infection. If you notice any redness or a rash that doesn't improve, remove your earrings and contact your doctor. Other signs of infection include bleeding that lasts for more than a few days, irritation, and pain. If you suspect an infection, remove your earrings, clean the site, and apply a topical antibiotic ointment.
After the initial six weeks, you can start to leave your earrings out for short periods, but it is recommended to keep them in for the first six months to prevent the piercing from closing up.
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Old piercings: Avoid nickel earrings and large hoops
If you have old piercings, it is generally recommended to avoid wearing nickel earrings and large hoops overnight. This is because sleeping with earrings in can sometimes be harmful, depending on their type and size.
Nickel is a common irritant that can prolong healing times and cause allergic reactions. Nickel allergies result in skin rashes, itching, and dry skin after exposure to nickel. Symptoms typically appear within 12 to 72 hours of exposure and can range from mild to severe. While nickel allergies are not usually life-threatening, they are a lifelong condition. Therefore, it is crucial to opt for nickel-free or low-nickel earrings, especially for new piercings.
Large hoops and dangle or drop-style earrings can increase the risk of painful side effects during sleep. They can easily get caught on bedding or hair, and as you move around, you could risk tearing your earlobe. Additionally, if you sleep on your side, large earrings can press against your head and cause discomfort or even frequent headaches.
To reduce the chances of snagging and irritation, it is recommended to wear studs or small hoops that fit snugly against the ear. These styles also offer a minimalistic look that does not interfere with your routines. When choosing earrings for daily wear, consider your lifestyle and activities to ensure both comfort and safety.
It is important to note that new piercings require special care. You should keep the initial studs in for at least six weeks or until your piercer advises otherwise. During this time, follow your piercer's aftercare instructions, including cleaning the skin around the studs regularly and avoiding twisting or playing with the jewelry.
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Infection: Remove earrings, clean the site, and apply ointment
It is advised to keep new earrings in for 6 weeks or longer, or until your piercer says it is okay to take them out. This is because a piercing is essentially an open wound that can take several weeks to fully heal. During this time, any bacteria that enter the wound can lead to infection.
If you suspect that your piercing has become infected, it is important to remove your earrings, clean the piercing site, and apply ointment. Firstly, remove your earrings and wipe your piercing site (both front and back) with an alcohol wipe or a saline rinse. Then, let the piercing site dry and apply a topical antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin. Be sure to clean all pairs of recently worn earrings to avoid re-infection.
It is also important to note that you should not twist or play with your jewellery, as this can cause trauma to the skin and lead to infection. You should also avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic ointments, as these can irritate the skin and slow the healing process.
If the infection does not improve with home treatment within 2 days, you should seek medical attention.
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Hair: Cover or braid hair to avoid earrings getting caught
While sleeping with earrings in is generally not recommended, there are a few precautions you can take to minimise the risk of your hair getting caught in them. If you have long hair, it is advisable to tie it back or braid it before going to bed. This will help prevent your hair from getting tangled in your earrings while you sleep.
Additionally, the type of earrings you choose can also reduce the likelihood of your hair getting caught. Flat-back stud earrings are designed to sit flush against your ear, minimising the chances of entanglement with your hair or bedding. Small studs, often referred to as "nap earrings," are also a safer choice as they are less likely to get caught and cause discomfort. It is recommended to avoid wearing hoop earrings, dangle earrings, or earrings with large backs or intricate designs to sleep, as they are more prone to getting caught in your hair or bedding, leading to discomfort or even injury.
If you have a new piercing, it is crucial to keep the stud in to prevent the hole from closing up. In this case, opting for small, flat-back studs made from hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel, titanium, or gold can help minimise the risk of irritation and infection while also reducing the chances of your hair getting caught.
Following these suggestions can help reduce the likelihood of your hair getting caught in your earrings while you sleep, but it is still important to prioritise comfort and hygiene to maintain healthy piercings.
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Comfort: Try speciality pillows or change your sleeping position
While it is generally recommended that earrings be removed before sleeping, there are some ways to make sleeping with earrings more comfortable. One way is to use specialty pillows that can help reduce pressure on the ears. For example, a horseshoe pillow encourages back sleeping, which can reduce the risk of earrings getting caught or tangled in bedding or hair. Earhole pillows, which have a hollow segment for jewelry-clad ears to rest in, can also be helpful, especially if you want to wear hoop earrings to bed.
Changing your sleeping position can also make a difference. Sleeping on your back can minimize any impact on the ears and reduce the risk of earrings getting caught or tangled. This position may take some time to get used to, but it can help prevent discomfort and damage to your earrings.
Another option is to use specialty earring backings, such as flat studs or screw-back earrings, which can provide a more secure fit and reduce the risk of snagging or irritation. Sleeper earrings, which are continuous hoops that lie flat against the ear, are specifically designed for sleeping and can be a comfortable option.
It is important to note that new piercings require special care, and it is generally recommended to keep the initial studs in for at least six weeks or until your piercer advises otherwise. During this healing period, it is crucial to follow your piercer's aftercare instructions, including regular cleaning of the piercing site, to minimize discomfort and the risk of infection.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you keep new earrings in for at least 6 weeks or longer, or until your piercer gives you the go-ahead. After this, you can take your earrings out to sleep, but you should not leave them out for longer than 24 hours during the first 6 months.
There are several reasons why it is not recommended to sleep with earrings in. Firstly, earrings can get caught on your bedding or hair, and you could risk tearing your earlobe. Secondly, if you wear the same earrings for a long time without cleaning, bacteria can become trapped, leading to infection. Thirdly, wearing earrings to bed can cause skin irritation and infection.
Sleeper earrings, which are continuous hoops that lie flat against the ear, are specifically designed for sleeping in and are more comfortable than other types of earrings. If you don't want to wear sleepers, look for small earrings with smooth, flat backs and no sharp edges.
You can try using specialty earring backings, changing your sleeping position, and using a specialty pillow such as a horseshoe pillow or earhole pillow. You should also clean your earrings and piercing regularly to prevent infection.
If your piercing becomes irritated or infected, remove your earrings and wipe the front and back of the piercing with an alcohol wipe. Let it dry, then apply a topical antibiotic ointment. Hold off on wearing earrings until the irritation or infection has cleared up, and be sure to clean any recently worn earrings before putting them back in.
