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Whether you're new to piercings or already have a collection, you've probably asked yourself:
"Can I sleep with this in?"
The answer? It depends on the piercing, the jewelry, and how healed everything is. In this guide, we break it all down piercing by piercing so you know what's safe, what’s risky, and how to stay comfy while you sleep.
General Rule of Thumb
- Fresh piercings: Always keep jewelry in 24/7 (even while sleeping) until fully healed.
- Healed piercings: You can sleep with jewelry in, but some styles and placements are safer than others.
Piercing-by-Piercing Sleep Guide
Nose (Nostril & Septum)
- Studs: Can press into the skin and cause irritation while sleeping.
- Hoops: Safer and more flexible, but still might get caught on a pillow.
- Septum Clickers: Usually fine to sleep in once healed.
Tip: Opt for seamless rings or low-profile studs for more comfort.
Ears (Lobes & Cartilage)
- Cartilage (helix, tragus, rook, etc.): Can become irritated due to pressure, especially for side sleepers.
- Lobes: Typically safe to sleep in with flat-back studs or small hoops.
Tip: Use a travel pillow with a center hole or a donut pillow to reduce pressure on cartilage piercings.
Tongue
- Sleeping with a barbell in is fine for healed tongue piercings, but avoid oversized balls that can chip teeth.
Tip: Stick with a snug-fitting barbell made from titanium or surgical steel.
Lip / Labret / Monroe
- Can be worn during sleep, but flat-back jewelry is best to prevent gum or tooth damage.
Tip: Avoid long posts that can press into the gums overnight.
Eyebrow
- Small barbells or curved jewelry are fine, but avoid anything bulky.
- Piercing may shift slightly over time from sleeping pressure.
Tip: Try to sleep on the opposite side if possible.
Belly Button (Navel)
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach while healing.
- Once healed, most people can sleep with standard jewelry.
Tip: Choose curved barbells that sit closer to the skin.
Nipple
- Healing nipples + sleeping = irritation city.
- After healing, sleeping with jewelry is fine, especially if it’s secure and low-profile.
Tip: Use soft bras or crop tops to protect the area overnight.
Dermals / Surface Piercings
- These are more prone to irritation and rejection.
- Sleep disruption can increase risk.
Tip: Avoid direct pressure. Use pillows or padding to keep weight off these areas.
Jewelry Styles That Are Better for Sleeping
- Flat-back labrets (great for ears, lips, nostrils)
- Seamless rings (less snagging)
- PTFE or Bioflex jewelry (flexible and soft)
- Curved barbells (better fit and less pressure)
When You Shouldn’t Sleep with Jewelry In
- If your piercing is still healing and you plan to remove the jewelry (it can close up fast!)
- If the jewelry is too bulky, sharp, or easily snagged
- If you’re experiencing irritation or swelling
Final Thoughts
Sleeping with body jewelry is safe in many cases — but you need to consider your piercing type, healing stage, and jewelry style. When in doubt, prioritize comfort, fit, and material quality. A little planning before bedtime goes a long way in keeping your piercings healthy and looking great.
