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Can You Sleep with Earrings In?
Yes, you can sleep with earrings in, but it really depends on the type of earrings you’re wearing. If you’ve just gotten a new piercing, it’s important to keep your starter earrings in while you sleep, usually for 6 to 8 weeks or as recommended by your piercer. Taking them out too early can cause the hole to close or lead to an infection. However, for healed piercings, it comes down to comfort and safety. Some earrings, like large hoops, dangle styles, or thick studs with sharp backings, can press into your skin, get caught in your hair, or even poke your scalp and neck while you sleep. That’s not just uncomfortable, it can also damage your piercing or skin over time.
If you want to wear earrings to bed, it’s best to choose small, flat-back studs or sleepers made of safe, hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel, gold, or titanium. These types of earrings are designed to be gentle and reduce the chances of irritation or snagging during the night. Still, even with comfortable earrings, giving your ears a break now and then can help prevent buildup of oils or bacteria around the piercing. So, while sleeping with earrings in is possible, especially for new piercings or if you're using low-profile, skin-safe styles, it’s always good to consider what kind of earrings you're wearing and how your ears feel in the morning.
What are Sleeper Earrings?
Sleeper earrings are small and lightweight earrings that are designed to be worn comfortably while you sleep. They are usually round or hoop shaped and made from soft and skin friendly materials like surgical steel, gold, or titanium. The name "sleeper" comes from their purpose because they are meant to stay in your ears overnight without causing discomfort or irritation. These earrings are often used right after a new piercing because they help keep the hole open while allowing the skin to heal gently. They do not have sharp edges or bulky backs which makes them ideal for sensitive or freshly pierced ears.
People also wear sleeper earrings for everyday use, not just during the healing phase. They are perfect if you prefer a minimal and low maintenance jewelry option. Since they sit close to the earlobe and do not dangle or snag easily, they are great for active lifestyles or for people who do not want to take their earrings on and off every day. Sleeper earrings come in different sizes and styles from plain hoops to delicate designs but they all share one thing in common, they are made for comfort. Whether you are sleeping, working out, or just going about your day, these earrings are designed to stay put and feel almost invisible.
Earrings That Are Safe to Sleep In
Not all earrings are uncomfortable at night. Some styles are actually made for long wear and can stay in while you sleep without causing irritation or poking. These earrings are usually simple, small, and smooth, so they won’t get caught on your pillow or press hard into your skin. Here are the types of earrings that are safe and comfortable to wear while sleeping:
1. Stud Earrings
Stud earrings are one of the simplest and most commonly worn styles, and they can be safe for sleep when chosen carefully. Look for small, flat studs made from hypoallergenic materials such as gold, titanium, or surgical steel. The key factor is the backing, regular butterfly backs can press into your skin and cause discomfort, especially if you sleep on your side. To avoid this, choose stud earrings with soft, screw-on, or flat backs for a smoother and more comfortable feel. As long as the design is sleek and the materials are skin-safe, stud earrings can be a practical choice for sleeping.
2. Flat Back Earrings
Flat back earrings are designed with comfort in mind, especially for people who plan to wear their earrings 24/7. Instead of a pointed or butterfly clasp, the back of the earring is a flat disc that lies flush against your ear. This design prevents the earring from poking or putting pressure on the skin while you sleep. Flat backs are also very secure and less likely to come undone during the night. These earrings are often used for cartilage piercings, but they work just as well for lobe piercings. If you sleep on your side or wear headphones to bed, flat back earrings are one of the most comfortable options available.
3. Sleeper Earrings
Sleeper earrings are made for continuous wear, including sleeping and healing. They are usually small hoops with a smooth surface and seamless closure, meaning there are no sharp parts to poke your skin. These earrings are especially recommended for new piercings because they allow the hole to stay open while minimizing irritation. Sleeper earrings are lightweight, gentle, and typically made from hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel, gold, or titanium. Their minimal design makes them perfect for anyone looking for earrings they can wear day and night without needing to take them out.
4. Huggie Earrings
Huggie earrings are tiny hoops that fit snugly around the earlobe, creating a secure and smooth fit. Unlike large hoops or dangles, huggies do not stick out or swing, so they are much less likely to catch on your pillow or hair at night. Many huggie earrings come with a click-lock closure, forming a perfect circle that doesn’t press into the skin. Their close fit and rounded edges make them one of the safest and most stylish options for sleeping. Whether you want a simple gold hoop or something with a little sparkle, huggies combine both comfort and elegance for day and night wear.
5. Nap Earrings
Nap earrings are specially designed for people who want to wear earrings comfortably all day and night, including while sleeping. They usually feature a flat, screw-on backing that doesn’t poke into your skin, and they are made from skin-safe materials like titanium or 14k gold. What sets nap earrings apart is their ultra-low profile and smooth finish, which make them almost unnoticeable when lying down. They are perfect for children, adults with sensitive ears, or anyone who wants a no-fuss, sleep-friendly earring. Whether you're taking a nap or sleeping through the night, nap earrings stay secure and comfortable without causing any irritation.
Earrings to Avoid While Sleeping
While some earrings are safe for sleep, others can cause irritation, discomfort, or even injury if worn overnight. These earrings are often bulky, sharp, or made from materials that are not skin-friendly. Sleeping in the wrong type of earrings can lead to pressure on your ears, snagging on bedding, or infection, especially if the earring back digs into your skin. Here are the types of earrings you should avoid wearing while sleeping:
1. Large Hoop Earrings
Large hoop earrings may be stylish during the day, but they’re a poor choice for sleeping. Their wide, open design makes them easy to snag on pillows, blankets, or even your own hair during the night. This can cause the earring to tug on your ear or twist uncomfortably while you sleep, increasing the risk of tearing your piercing or bending the metal. Hoops also tend to move around a lot, which can lead to irritation or pressure on the earlobe. If you're someone who tosses and turns, wearing large hoops to bed could cause serious discomfort or even injury.
2. Dangle or Drop Earrings
Dangle or drop earrings hang below your earlobes and move freely, which makes them highly unsuitable for wearing to sleep. Because of their length and loose design, they’re more likely to get tangled in your hair or caught on your bedding. This not only causes discomfort but also puts strain on your piercing, which can lead to redness, soreness, or even a torn earlobe. These types of earrings are made to move with your body while you're awake, not while you’re lying still or shifting around in bed. For the health of your ears, it's best to take them off before going to sleep.
3. Chunky or Heavy Earrings
Chunky or heavy earrings might look bold and beautiful, but they can be harmful to wear overnight. Their weight pulls on your earlobes for long periods of time, which can stretch the piercing hole and cause sagging or pain. While sleeping, the added pressure from a heavy earring pressing into your ear against the pillow can lead to discomfort, headaches, or even bruising. Over time, sleeping in heavy earrings can weaken the tissue around your piercing and increase the risk of permanent damage. To protect your ears, always remove bulky earrings before bed.
4. Sharp Post or Butterfly Back Earrings
Earrings with sharp posts or standard butterfly backs are common, but they can be quite painful to wear during sleep. The pointed post may dig into your neck or the side of your head when you lie down, especially if you sleep on your side. Butterfly backs, which are stiff and small, can press hard into the skin, causing pressure points, soreness, or even cuts if worn night after night. These earrings are fine for daytime wear but should be taken out before sleeping to avoid unnecessary irritation or discomfort.
5. Earrings with Rough or Decorative Backs
Some earrings have fancy or textured backs designed for visual appeal, but these features can be problematic when you lie down. Backs with ridges, shapes, or decorative details may press into your skin while you sleep, leaving marks or causing pressure-related soreness. In some cases, the decorative elements can catch on your hair or bedding, making it even worse. These types of backs are meant to be seen, not slept on, so it’s a good idea to switch to smooth, low-profile earrings for nighttime wear.
6. Cheap Metal Earrings
Earrings made from low-quality or unknown metals often contain nickel or other reactive materials that can irritate the skin. When worn for long periods, especially overnight, these metals can cause allergic reactions, redness, itchiness, or even infections. If you already have sensitive skin, wearing cheap earrings to bed can make things worse and slow down healing in pierced ears. For your ear health and comfort, it’s always better to invest in hypoallergenic materials like titanium, gold, or surgical steel, especially if you plan to wear earrings overnight.
Erica Jewels is offering a special discount to blog readers! You can find all types of earrings for your piercings, including helix, conch, tragus, and daith. Get 20% off your entire earring purchase with the code SHINE20 at checkout.
