Can You Sleep on Pierced Ears: Helix and Industrial Adornment

Once your helix and industrial piercings have fully healed, you can generally sleep on them without issues. Healing times can vary, but helix piercings typically take about 6 to 12 months to fully heal while industrial piercings can take 9 months to a year or longer.

Ensure Comfort and Minimize Risk

To ensure comfort and minimize the risk of irritation or damage, follow these tips:

Use a Softer Pillow

A memory foam or a pillow designed for side sleepers can reduce pressure on your ears, ensuring a more comfortable sleep.

Correct Positioning

Try to sleep on the opposite side or adjust your position to avoid direct contact with the piercings. This can help prevent any discomfort or inconvenience.

Jewelry Choice

Use smaller or more comfortable jewelry once your piercings have healed. Less bulky jewelry can help reduce the chance of irritation while sleeping.

Adventures in Sleeping with Piercings

However, it’s important to note that even after full healing, sleeping with piercings is still a calculated risk. The exact location in your ear cartilage can affect healing times, with primary healing ranging from 3 to 12 months, and secondary healing taking even longer. During primary healing, pressure is your enemy, and during secondary healing, it becomes a nuisance.

After fully healing, it’s possible to sleep in an unusual position or press too hard on the piercings, causing some irritation and swelling. This was personally experienced by the author, who woke up with sore and swollen helix piercings after being sick. Clicking on this link can lead to more detailed personal experiences and insights:

Individual Situations

Some individuals, like the author of this article, had to take out their industrial jewelry before bed to avoid discomfort or risk of waking up in pain. It’s recommended to wait a full year for adequate healing time before attempting to sleep with this type of piercing.

Conclusion and Advice

While it is generally safe to sleep with helix and industrial piercings after they have healed, it’s crucial to be cautious and prepared for potential issues. Consulting a professional piercer or healthcare provider in case of pain, swelling, or any signs of infection is always a good idea.

For more detailed advice and insights, consider exploring resources from experienced piercers or healthcare providers who can provide professional guidance based on individual needs and circumstances.