Getting a new ear piercing is an exciting adventure, so is picking out new jewelry pieces for your piercing. As a rule of thumb, you should avoid wearing earrings to bed because they can get caught on your beddings or hair.
However, when you get a new piercing, you have to always keep the studs on so that the new hole does not close up. That means that you may have to sleep with your earrings on until your piercing fully heals.
As much as it is the best way to keep your earring holes open, it can be harmful if you aren’t careful. If your earrings get stuck on your beddings, you may end up tearing the piercing.
Sometimes, it can be bad enough to send you to the hospital. Read on to learn how to sleep with new piercings on both ears.
Can you sleep on newly pierced ears?
Yes, you can sleep on newly pierced ears. Generally, once you get a new piercing, they always come with hypoallergenic earrings so that they can stay on for several weeks as your piercing heals.
Do not take out new piercings at any time, even when going to sleep. Doing this prevents the hold from closing up, and it also prevents any infections or allergies.
However, sleep can get quite uncomfortable right after you just got your piercing. Try to be mindful that sleeping on newly pierced ears night after night can cause a few troubles during the healing process. Sleeping with earrings on for an extended period can cause the bar to migrate or change the angles of your earrings. Unfortunately, this may either scar or tear your earring hole.
To add to that, this may also cause several issues when you want to change your earrings to a newer pair. Once the angle changes, it may be challenging to find an earring that would sit nice and flat. For this reason, it is better to use a travel pillow when sleeping to keep your piercings safe.
Overall, you should avoid sleeping on your piercings at all costs.
Do you sleep with earrings on when first pierced?
New piercings are more likely to close quickly. When you just got your ears pierced, it is necessary to keep your first earrings on for a while. There is the notion that when you create a new hole in your ear, your body responds by trying to heal it and repair any torn tissues in the process. That said, you should always keep your earrings on when first pierced, even when you are sleeping.
The rate at which piercings heal varies from person to person and may depend on the piercing you get. Your lobes often take about 6-8 weeks to heal, whereas your cartilage takes about 12 weeks to heal successfully. Therefore, you shouldn’t remove your earrings until your earring holes heal entirely. (If you want to know How Long after Ear Piercing can I Change Earrings? This detailed post is just for you!)
Even so, there is the possibility of your earring holes healing partially or fully overnight. In as much so, even if your piercings stay open, you shouldn’t take out your earrings or attempt to replace them. This way, you avoid introducing bacteria into the piercing. When you first get your piercing, you should not be going any longer than a day without wearing your earrings.
The best thing to do is to wash your new piercings with unscented soap and water. As another option, you can use the wash that your piercer gave you to clean your piercing. You can also apply triple antibiotic ointment using a Q-tip for the first three days, then start using Vaseline for a trouble-free healing process.
When can I sleep on my side after new piercings?
The answer is simple. You can sleep on your side after new piercings when it is comfortable. Try and let your piercing be your guide.
Typically, it may take from about three days to a couple of months, but this entirely depends on how fast your body heals.
If you need to sleep on your side, you can always use a neck pillow to ensure neck comfort. If that doesn’t seem too comfortable for you, you can choose to be creative.
All in all, remember to ensure that your beddings remain clean and fresh. The T-shirt trick would be a lifesaver in this case. All you need to do is to get a few white t-shirts, then use them as pillowcases.
When can I sleep on my cartilage piercing?
Remember we said that cartilage piercings could take up to 12 months to heal successfully. However, you can sleep on your cartilage piercing for anywhere from 4-12 months.
Cartilage piercings tend to heal from the outside in, which is why the healing process takes a while.
Even if your cartilage piercing looks as though it has healed, you should wait until you are sure that it is fully healed before you put any pressure over it.
When you choose to sleep on your cartilage piercing, consider sleeping on your back. This way, you won’t tamper so much with the incision because there is less turning back and forth and less rolling.
However, when you choose to sleep on your stomach or side, it may take some time to get accustomed.
How to sleep with new piercings on both ears?
First, you should always clean your new piercing right before going to bed. As you do this, ensure to tighten the stopper so that your earring doesn’t come off when sleeping.
Cleaning your piercing daily is quite beneficial as it allows your earrings to move freely within the incision, and it stops your skin from drying out.
Next, you shouldn’t sleep on the piercing, and you should perhaps tie your hair up to prevent it from getting caught up in the piercing. Also, you are better off carrying out some research on sleeping positions after a new piercing.
Doing this helps you practice sleeping in your required position for about two weeks before your new piercing. This way, you will not have to struggle so much through the healing process.
One of the best ways to sleep with new piercings on both ears is to use a neck pillow while sleeping. If you do not have one, you can place a cloth or towel over your pillow for comfort.
Lastly, change your bedding frequently for a clean, fresh, and bacteria-free environment, especially after so much oozing that happens on the first days after you have gotten your new piercing.
If your piercings are really bothering you, seek help from a doctor. Your new piercing shouldn’t be too painful in your lobes.
If they are painful, chances are that your piercing is infected. Other times your piercing may react because you are sensitive to the nickel in your earrings. In that case, you can switch to surgical steel which is often hypoallergenic.
Conclusion
Some piercings may take a while to heal completely.
If you need to assume a specific sleeping position or get on a particular cleansing routine, do some research before getting your piercing so that you are well prepared for your new piercing.
Overall, you shouldn’t sleep on your piercing until it heals completely, even if it doesn’t hurt.
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Stephanie is a jewelry lover when she was a teenager. Her major was fashion design when she was in college. She is a jewelry designer at SOQ Jewelry and other design companies. Now she is also a writer for our website. She writes a lot of designs&brands posts with very actionable tips.