Sleeping with New Piercings
Getting a new piercing is an exciting experience, but navigating the healing process can be challenging. Whether you’ve just gotten a lobe, cartilage, nose, or any other piercing, how you sleep can make a big difference in your comfort and healing time. Poor sleeping habits can only lead to irritation, swelling, or even complications like prolonged healing or infection. To help you rest easy, here are some essential tips for sleeping comfortably and protecting your new piercing.
Try Sleeping on Your Back
The best sleeping position for a fresh piercing is on your back. This keeps pressure off the piercing site and reduces the risk of friction. If you’re not a natural back sleeper, try using extra pillows around your body to prevent yourself from rolling over in your sleep. Some have also found that sleeping with a travel neck pillow helps keep their head stabilized.
Elevate Your Head with Extra Pillows
If you find it difficult to sleep on your back, try propping your head up with an extra pillow or two to keep it elevated. This position helps reduce swelling and minimizes the chance of accidentally rolling onto your new piercing. Elevation is also great for improving circulation, which supports the healing process. Just make sure the pillows are firm enough to provide support and prevent you from sinking into them.
Clean Your Bedding
Your pillowcases and sheets can easily collect bacteria, oils, and debris that can irritate a new piercing. To minimize the chance of infection, make sure to wash your bedding at least once or twice a week during the healing process. Consider switching to soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or silk to reduce friction against your skin and jewelry.
Be Mindful of Jewelry Snagging
When sleeping, it’s easy for your jewelry to catch on hair, clothing, or pillow seams. Always be mindful that your hair is tied back if you’ve received an ear or facial piercing to prevent tangling. Also, try to avoid wearing anything to bed that could snag.
Be Patient with the Healing Process
Healing takes time, and it’s completely normal to have some sensitivity when sleeping for several weeks or even months, depending on the type of piercing. Following proper aftercare and being gentle with your sleeping habits will help speed up recovery and prevent long-term discomfort.
Prioritize Comfort for a Smooth Healing Journey
Getting a good night’s sleep while healing a new piercing might require a few adjustments, but it’s worth the effort to ensure your piercing heals smoothly. By protecting your piercing during sleep, you’ll minimize irritation and keep the healing process on track. If you have any questions about piercing aftercare or need personalized advice, reach out to our experienced team at Skin & Bone Studio!
