I know how much you like your jewelry and earrings, and I understand why you’d want to wear them frequently.
But should you sleep with earrings in?
Given that it concerns both the condition of your jewelry and your health, this is an important issue to ask.
In this guide, I’ll answer this question and provide you with the knowledge you need to make the best decision for your jewelry and well-being.
Should You Sleep With Earrings In?
You should not sleep with earrings in, except in specific cases.
The only time it is okay to sleep with earrings is when you have a new piercing. In this case, it is necessary to keep the earrings in while you sleep to ensure the piercing heals properly and does not close up. You should follow the advice of your piercer on how long to keep the earrings in. Taking out new earrings too early can increase the risk of infection and other complications. Always listen to your licensed piercer’s instructions to make sure your piercing heals correctly.
The Risks of Wearing Earrings While Sleeping
Have you ever fallen asleep with your earrings on? It might seem harmless, but there are actually some important things to consider. Let’s talk about the risks associated with wearing earrings while sleeping.
1. Torn Skin
One of the biggest risks of sleeping with earrings on is the potential for torn skin. You see when you’re tossing and turning in your sleep, your earrings can get caught on your bedding or even in your hair. This can put a lot of strain on your earlobes and might even cause them to tear. If you’re wearing larger earrings or styles like hoops and dangles, the risk is even higher. Those bigger earrings can catch on things more easily, increasing the chances of a tear.
2. Headaches
Have you ever woken up with a headache that just won’t seem to go away? Well, it turns out that wearing earrings while you sleep could be to blame. If you’re a side sleeper, the pressure from your earrings pressing against the side of your head might be causing those headaches. The discomfort from the earring pressing against your head could be enough to trigger a headache. If you suspect that your earrings are causing your headaches, try sleeping without them for a few nights and see if you notice any improvement. If you have new piercings and need to keep studs in, try sleeping on your back instead to help ease the pressure on your ears.
3. Infections
Another risk of sleeping with earrings on is the potential for infections. When you wear the same earrings for a long time without cleaning your piercings, bacteria can start to build up. This can lead to infections, which can cause all sorts of unpleasant symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, and even pus. If you notice any of these signs of infection, it’s important to take your earrings out and clean your piercings right away. You might also want to see a doctor if the infection doesn’t clear up on its own.
4. Allergic Reactions
Did you know that sleeping in certain earrings could increase your risk of having an allergic reaction? It’s true! Some earrings contain nickel, which is a common allergen found in costume jewelry. Nearly 30 percent of people who wear earrings are allergic to nickel. If you’re one of them, sleeping in nickel-containing earrings could lead to red, itchy rashes.
Over time, repeated exposure to nickel can even cause eczema to develop around your ears. To avoid allergic reactions, it’s best to opt for earrings made from hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel, sterling silver, or at least 18-karat gold. These materials are less likely to cause irritation, making them a safer choice for sleeping in.
What’s the Best Way to Avoid These Risks?
So, what’s the best way to avoid these risks? Well, the simplest solution is to take your earrings out before you go to bed. This might seem like a hassle, especially if you’re someone who likes to wear earrings all the time, but it’s really the safest option. If you’re worried about your piercings closing up overnight, you can always put them back in when you wake up in the morning. It’s also a good idea to make sure your piercings are clean before you put your earrings back in. This will help reduce the risk of infections and other complications.
If you absolutely must wear earrings while you sleep, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risks.
First, try to avoid wearing larger earrings or styles with openings like hoops and dangles. These types of earrings are more likely to get caught on things and increase the risk of tearing your earlobes. Second, try to sleep on your back instead of your side. This will help reduce the pressure on your ears and decrease the risk of headaches.a
Now, make sure you’re cleaning your piercings regularly to reduce the risk of infections. If you notice any signs of infection or allergic reaction, it’s important to take your earrings out and clean your piercings right away. If the symptoms persist, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are some risks associated with wearing earrings while sleeping.
Now, it’s your choice whether should you sleep with earrings in or not.
However, I do not recommend you to sleep with your earrings in. Taking them out before bed can help prevent any problems and keep your ears healthy.