Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Everyone is different for some they may be able to sleep on the piercings the same day. You also want to avoid any infections, aggravation or pain that could occur from sleeping on the new piercing. If you want to keep your piercing, dont sleep on it. Infections can be just as painful as persevering with the metal, wood or glass piercing staying intact. As a part of Amazon Affiliate for every qualifying purchase, we make some money. When it comes to earrings, it is critical to exercise caution while selecting one type. If you dont have a pillow protector, you can always place a soft piece of cloth made out of cotton, silk, sateen, or some other material. [2] 3 Use a saline cleaning solution as an alternative to soap and water. If you are concerned, you can take some steps to help the piercing heal faster by keeping the area clean and dry, applying a cream to help reduce inflammation, and not wearing tight clothing or jewelry. As a result, their reactions to the piercing will be much less severe than those of an older child or adult. Laser Tattoo Removal Can Cause Blisters Here's Why and How to Treat Them. Lips. If you need to sleep on your side depending upon where your new piercing is located on your body and the position you will need to sleep in you can use a pillow wedged between your knees. If you are allergic to certain metals, it is especially important to find starter earrings that will not irritate your piercing, which can cause swelling and bleeding. On both sides of your body, you should be able to sleep with new piercings. The wounds will bleed profusely for the first few nights. One of the few piercings that can be pierced with a ring rather than a stud is the dachshund piercing. If you need to assume a position such as sleeping on your back that is unnatural to you a comfortable mattress or a lovely padded mattress topper for your existing mattress could be a valuable investment. (2018). You should avoid sleeping on your piercing for several reasons such as: Just like with regular ear piercings, you can sleep with an ear cartilage piercing. Use a pillow protector under your pillow sham and change your sham every couple of days. The best way to avoid nickel allergies is to wear earrings made from surgical steel, sterling silver, or at least 18-karat gold. For cartilage piercings, again, youll need to wait at least 12 weeks before switching your jewelry, and you should expect that the full healing process will take about 12 months because youre dealing with connective tissue, Dr. Farber says. It is also important to take note of when sleeping with your new ear piercings, as this is when you may accidentally knock them or snag, resulting in swelling. Especially if you intend to get more piercings in the future. Remove your earrings before bed. We know the feeling. Well list them below. If its specifically a cartilage piercing that appears to be infected, youll definitely want to call a doctor sooner rather than later. Low-quality steel or nickel earring materials are frequently the cause of babies developing allergic reactions. Whether youre looking for a subtle and classic look, a daring and bold statement, or something in between, theres a new ear piercing that is sure to make a statement. Some people who dont regularly sleep on their back, but have to because of their ear piercings prefer to put it behind their neck, for a conforming sleep experience. But if you have older piercings, its best to avoid sleeping in your earrings. Is It Safe to Sleep With Gas Fireplace On? Its of paramount importance to sleep with earrings on at least for the first month. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. TipTopSleep.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment options. Im a teacher and graduate in acoustics & music. 8. During this time, it is essential to keep them clean, for instance, with saline solution. An Overview Of The Procedure, Introduction To Digital Audio Workstations In The EDM Community, Creating Accurate Affordable Hearing Tests With Arduino, The Anatomy And Function Of The Temporal Bone: Protecting The Middle And Inner Ear, How To Test A Dalmatians Hearing And Assess Potential Problems, Max Protection: The Highest Rating For Ear Plugs To Protect Your Hearing, Preparing For And Passing A Dot Hearing Test: A Comprehensive Guide, The Benefits Of Getting A Hearing Test: Who Can Provide One And How To Get One. 2. Pricing: Between $30 and $80, though jewelry cost is not included. Nickel is commonly used in costume jewelry. You can also try a u-shaped travel pillow you can angle it around your neck to suit yourself. The same concerns apply to any location, but the cartilage will take longer to heal and has a higher risk of keloid scars or the piercing becoming embedded under the skin, so it is more important to intervene early, Dr. Farber says. However, you should consult with your doctor or the person who pierced your ears. With these simple tips, you can ensure a safe and comfortable sleep with your new piercings. However, as a general rule of thumb, its usually best to wait at least 2-4 weeks before sleeping on your side (or stomach) after getting a new piercing. Slight bleeding is considered normal with new piercings, but these symptoms shouldnt last for more than a few days. Alternatively, you can place a towel or cloth over your pillow while sleeping. Sometimes they can heal up overnight. Always remove tops carefully when you have earrings in and avoid pairing long earrings with materials such as knits or lace. 1. In the days and weeks after that, keep an eye out for the following signs of an ear piercing infection: oozing, spreading redness or signs of inflammation (which will depend on your skin tone), tenderness, the area feels warm to the touch, or you develop a fever. Please get in contact if theres anything we can do to help. You are now used to your new sleeping position why not carry on sleeping in that way to keep your piercings in tack and looking great. Depending on how quickly your body heals, you might be able to resume your normal activity within three days to two months. The most common cause is sleeping on a new piercing (two to six months old), followed by bumping. That said, some people are ready to endure a few days of poor sleep quality until the early healing results are visible. First, make sure youre using a pillow that wont put pressure on your new piercings. However, once youre comfortable with laying on that side, you can easily improve your sleep experience. Place a clean, soft towel under your piercing to catch any drainage. But if its disrupting your life, you may want to see a doctor. If you move around at night, you will be unable to get your new piercing. If you are going to wear jewelry, make sure it does not come into contact with water, such as a pool, hot tub, river, lake, or other body of water; if you do, avoid touching or twisting it. How long do ear piercings take to heal? While the initial piercing may not be overly uncomfortable, the pressure of sleeping on the piercing can cause irritation and swelling. You could have inflammation and swelling (which can also signify an infection), but its also common to develop a rash, itchiness, or blistering when you have an allergic reaction to the piercing, per the Mayo Clinic. If you have pierced nipples, it is recommended that you wear a soft sports bra to bed to support them. Here are a few tips on how to sleep on your side with a new piercing: 1. Silicone plugs are a great investment if your ear is swollen and the golden or steel plugs feel too firm and are scratching your ear or neck. The most important thing to remember is to not touch your newly pierced ears with your hands. You will be able to keep your piercing healthy and free of irritation if you take these precautions. When you pierce your ears with hypoallergenic materials in new piercing earrings, you will not experience an overnight nickel reaction. Please Wear Sunscreen: Hugh Jackman Gets Real About His Skin Cancer Scare, No matter how much you want to tan: Trust me, trust me, trust me.. If you follow the aftercare instructions recommend by your piercer, sleeping in new ear piercings shouldnt cause any issues. Since you must leave studs in if you have new ear piercings, you can try sleeping on your back instead to help ease your headaches. Piercings: How to prevent complications Piercings might be more common than ever, but don't take piercing lightly. Something that can also ease the pain and discomfort when going to sleep is cleaning your ears with alcohol as well as other ointments before going to bed and after waking up. Soak a cotton ball in the salt water and place it on the infected area. Editors notes: There are many different U-shaped travel pillows for those who sleep with piercings. Ask your piercer to recommend a sea salt-based cleanser to care for your newly pierced ears. These small earrings are also an excellent choice due to their small size. Below are some common but serious side effects associated with sleeping in earrings. It is generally recommended not to sleep in earrings, with the exception of when you are getting a new piercing. If you have particularly dry and/or sensitive skin that feels irritated, consider talking to your primary care doctor or dermatologist about a prescription-strength topical antibiotic, which can help calm things down and prevent infection. If youre thinking about getting a piercing, you should be aware of the risks before making a decision. Pat it dry with a tissue or clean cotton. These earrings may be worn for weeks or months at a time. Are your earrings or body piercings causing a nickel allergy? Once your doctor sees you, they may take a culture (a test to detect infection-causing bacteria), and they could possibly give you a prescription for a topical or oral antibiotic, depending on the severity of the infection, Dr. Gohara adds. Hi, my names Jamie. In all the planning and excitement we sometimes forget about the pain which may occur when we are trying to get some sleep. Considering laser tattoo removal? Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. Aftercare: Clean twice a day with a sterile, saline-based solution. Its always good to use several so that you can change them when its necessary, usually every few days. Conch piercings can take 4-12 months to heal. (2011). The healing period depends on the area of the piercing. Piercings: How to prevent complications. If you're having your hair cut or styled, let the barber or stylist know about your piercing. Anxiety-related migraines and other symptoms may be reduced, according to some people. Sleeping on a piercing can cause it to tilt and move, especially if it is new, but this can also happen over time. These earrings are hypoallergenic in terms of hypoallergenicness, whether they are made of stainless steel or gold. The answer is yes. There are different ways to wear this pillow for sleep, regardless of whether youre traveling or not. The good news is that you can sleep on your side after ear piercing, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Following piercings, it is critical to maintain a regular aftercare schedule in order to heal. In general, it's best to avoid sleeping on your stomach or back for the first few weeks after getting your ears pierced. A quick test is to press your piercing quite firmly into your pillow and if it is not tender or does not hurt, I would sleep on it that night if you are ready. If it looks like you might be allergic to your new earring and youve never had this reaction to jewelry before, its worth calling a dermatologist (if you have access to one) to see if they recommend doing a patch test to figure out if youre allergic to nickel or another material in the earring, Dr. Farber suggests. While your piercing heals, you can help minimize discomfort by sleeping on your back instead of your side. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Heres How Long You Should Wait to Brush Your Teeth After Your Morning Coffee, 58 Actually Useful Gifts All Practical People Will Appreciate, 37 Unique Gifts for the Person Whos Impossible to Shop For. To treat an earlobe condition, you can contact your doctor and ask him or her to apply topical anesthesia cream. The following tips will take assist you in remaining pain-free while your piercing heals. Nickel allergies should be avoided by wearing surgical steel, sterling silver, or 18-karat gold earrings. It helps by allowing the jewelry to move freely in the incision or hole. Published: Apr. Luckily, I hadnt, and my ear was fine. If an ear piercing becomes infected, you can often treat it at home if the symptoms are mild. To soak your pierced skin, use warm, mild sea salt water. The position you should sleep in, which includes the most common piercings, should provide you with a comfortable nights sleep. Pros And Cons And Tips For Neck Protection, Responsibly Disposing Of Old Bed Pillows Options For Donation Recycling And Upcycling, Exploring The Benefits Of Putting Rose Quartz Under Your Pillow, DIY Microwavable Eye Pillow: A Stress-Relieving Craft Guide, Finding The Right Bed Pillow For You: A Comprehensive Guide To A Good Nights Sleep, Finding The Perfect Foam Pillow For A Good Nights Sleep. For an earlobe piercing, most of the healing takes place within six weeks, at which time the starter earring can be changed out to another nickel-free piece of jewelry, Sarah Lacy, RN, senior manager of piercing research and innovation at the piercing studio Rowan, tells SELF. See additional information. There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual baby and their level of comfort. You will be able to keep your piercing healthy and free of irritation if you take these precautions. If the piercing does become irritated or sore a numbing agent like Neosporin will give you relief in the area of the piercing. Use Silicone Plugs The sharp earrings may be a cause for your discomfort in sleep. Its also important to keep your hair away from your ears if you have long and restless hair. We asked dermatologists about the pros and cons of this trending tech. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. As a result, the affected skin is swollen, soft, and prone to tearing. It works in much the same way as the numbing agents we rub on babies gums when they are teething. Studs are typically less painful when laid on, making them an appealing choice for new piercings. First things first: You need to wash your hands with soap and water every time before touching your ear or ear piercing to avoid adding potentially harmful bacteria to the area, says Dr. Farber. Sleep on a soft surface, such as a mattress or futon, to avoid irritating your piercing. To keep your piercings shape the advice is not to sleep on it at all. This can additionally get worse when you head to bed. The bottom line when it comes to taking good care of your new ear piercing? If it is uncomfortable to sleep on your side, try sleeping on your back or stomach instead. Make sure your earlobes are properly cleaned before you go to bed. Please read our fulldisclosure pageto learn more about it. 9. If you have cartilage piercings, use commercial saline solution to cleanse them. How To Sleep With New Piercings On Both Ears, Avoid A Piercing Pain: Sleep Comfortably With New Ear Piercings, Healing Your Ear Piercings: An Essential Guide, Chiropractic Care And Hearing Tests: What You Need To Know, Detecting And Treating Bacterial Meningitis: A Guide To Hearing Loss And Fever Tests, How Long Does A Sedated Hearing Test Take? If you want to touch a new piercing or twist the jewelry, never do so. This may involve: 1. It is not recommended to wear new piercings at night, even if it means closing the holes. Infections Wearing the same earrings for a long time. It will help you to sleep well as your piercing heals if you spend a week or so in a new position before the big day. 2. The general rule of thumb is to avoid sleeping in earrings, with one exception: when you get a new piercing. In this article, well check whether its safe to sleep with a new piercing, or should you remove it before sleep. It is your responsibility as a parent or a caring adult to clean your ears and apply antibiotic ointment or ear cleaning solution to them after the piercing. Thats why its important to learn how to sleep comfortably after getting a new ear piercing. Pros And Cons And Tips For Neck Protection, Responsibly Disposing Of Old Bed Pillows Options For Donation Recycling And Upcycling, Exploring The Benefits Of Putting Rose Quartz Under Your Pillow, DIY Microwavable Eye Pillow: A Stress-Relieving Craft Guide, Finding The Right Bed Pillow For You: A Comprehensive Guide To A Good Nights Sleep, Finding The Perfect Foam Pillow For A Good Nights Sleep. This will help to keep your piercing from coming into contact with your pillow and getting irritated. Tips and Tricks for Sleeping with New Ear PiercingsIn this video we go over:how to sleep in different positions for one piercing and multiple piercingsthings. You can prevent pain by sleeping on the side without the piercing. 1. They take the sharpness of the earrings away and stop your new piercing from closing up while you sleep. this site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. You will get relief from this hard and firm feeling by wearing Silicone Plugs. How to avoid sleeping on ear piercing? That may cause the piercing holes to stretch out of shape and not hug the jewelry. Ear piercings can cause contact dermatitis in the area as well as sensitized body parts. That makes sleeping as your ears heal significantly easier and more comfortable. Isla developed an infection after removing her ear stud too soon. Try rising it up into a bun or tying your hair. Alternatively, a tower made of soft cotton is also an option. Get the details on how you can lower your chances of developing blisters and other possible side effects. If you are a restless sleeper they will be pulled this way and that during the night. If you are an active sleeper and move a lot while sleeping, you should use silicon backings to avoid losing earrings at night. Cartilage piercings necessitate the strictest attention and care. Want to wake up feeling refreshed and energized every morning? Wearing the same earrings for a long time without cleaning the piercing can cause bacteria to become trapped. 4. Don't remove the earring. If an earring becomes lodged in your ear, its a good idea to seek professional help. (2020). Here's how to identify, treat, and prevent infection. Your child should have healed his earlobes by six weeks. As the healing process takes its course, there are numerous ways to help you sleep more comfortably. Thats why at no cost, you should take your piercing off during the first few months after piercing it. Always clean your piercing before you go to bed. The piercing cannot be removed or left to sleep. If you want to keep your piercing their best try not to sleep on them at all. Theyll likely recommend that you clean the skin around the studs two to three times per day with a saline solution or gentle soap and water. Place a clean, soft towel under your piercing to catch any drainage. As a part of Amazon Affiliate for every qualifying purchase, we make some money. Piercings are popular, especially among adolescents and young adults. New piercings can also be difficult to sleep in, especially for side sleepers. If a U-shaped travel pillow doesnt work for you, there are several alternatives. As a result of this, you may experience intense pain, as the bar becomes too short and the jewelry begins to embed. If you wear this during the night, you will not be able to move around and cause further pain. amazon and the amazon logo are trademarks of amazon.com, inc. or its affiliates." You might want to combat bad breath right awaybut tweaking your routine could be worth it. There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individuals healing process. Editors notes: There are plenty of ointments and creams you can use before sleep to keep your ears moist. She recommends washing your ear piercing and the area around it once a day throughout the entire 6- or 12-week healing process with a gentle antibacterial soap (we like Dial Antibacterial. It is critical to follow the aftercare instructions for proper healing after receiving a new ear piercing, and you should expect minor bleeding and discomfort for up to a few days afterward. 5. 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. If someone recommended cocoa butter for tattoo aftercare, you might want a second opinion. If you follow the aftercare procedures, your baby will be able to wear their new earrings within a few days. Check out this best selling list at Amazon here. {See DIY Piercing Pillow Video below!}. How Long Until I Can Sleep On My Cartilage Piercing. Only touch the jewelry when youre cleaning the area, and make sure you wash your hands first. Cartilage piercings are different, thoughyou should just clean the piercing front and back two to three times a day without twisting the earring and generally avoid touching the area when youre not cleaning it to avoid additional irritation. Needless to say, you shouldnt change your medical, hypoallergenic earrings for at least a month following your ear piercing. You should replace the earring(s) with jewelry that doesnt contain the problematic material as soon as possiblethat should help clear it up, according to the Mayo Clinic. These cookies do not store any personal information. Last medically reviewed on April 16, 2020, If you haven't worn earrings in a while, you might be wondering if you need to re-pierce your ears. I would suggest when your piercing feels comfortable in the morning after having slept on it usually a couple of months. For a cartilage piercing (anywhere outside the lobe), most of the surface healing happens in the first 12 weeks or so; however, the deeper part of the piercing still needs a full year to heal, Lacy says.