You can tell if you've slept on your piercing by observing both immediate signs of irritation and, over a longer period, subtle changes in the skin around the jewelry.
Immediate Signs of Sleeping on a New Piercing
If your piercing is relatively new, you'll likely notice these signs shortly after sleeping:
- Increased Redness and Swelling: The area around the piercing may appear more inflamed than usual.
- Tenderness or Pain: The piercing site will feel more sore or painful to the touch.
- Pus or Discharge: While some crusting is normal during healing, excessive clear, yellow, or greenish discharge could indicate irritation or infection.
- Crooked Angle: The jewelry might appear slightly off-angle or twisted if consistent pressure has been applied.
- Delayed Healing: Sleeping on a new piercing can prolong the healing process, as the constant pressure and friction prevent the tissue from settling properly.
Long-Term Indicators: Migration and Thinning Skin
For piercings that have been exposed to consistent pressure from sleeping over many months or even years, you might observe more significant, long-term changes:
- Thinning Skin: The most definitive sign is that the skin over and around the jewelry will begin to thin out. This makes the jewelry appear more prominent.
- Increased Jewelry Visibility: As the skin thins, you will notice that more of the jewelry is visible than before, almost as if it's pushing closer to the surface.
- Migration: The piercing may slowly shift its original position. This is known as migration. While sleeping on a piercing can cause it to migrate, it's important to understand that migration doesn't automatically mean the piercing is rejecting, although it can be a precursor to rejection if the pressure continues and the tissue thins too much.
Why Does This Happen?
When you sleep on a piercing, especially a new one, you apply continuous pressure and friction to the delicate healing tissue. This can:
- Disrupt the healing channel.
- Introduce bacteria into the wound.
- Cause irritation bumps (hypertrophic scarring).
- Over time, force the jewelry to move through the skin, leading to thinning and migration.
Preventing Issues from Sleeping on Your Piercing
Protecting your piercing while you sleep is crucial for proper healing and long-term health:
- Use a Travel or Donut Pillow: For ear piercings, this is an excellent solution. Place your ear in the hole of the pillow, preventing any pressure on the piercing.
- Sleep on Your Back or Opposite Side: Consciously try to adjust your sleeping position. For a piercing on your left ear, sleep on your right side or your back.
- Choose Appropriate Jewelry: Ensure you have the correct type and size of jewelry, especially during the initial healing phase. Flat-back labrets are often preferred for ear and lip piercings over rings or curved barbells, as they minimize movement and snagging.
- Be Mindful of Your Habits: If you tend to move a lot in your sleep, try to be aware of your body's position before drifting off.
What to Do If You Suspect You've Slept on It
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, take the following steps:
- Assess the Area: Gently examine your piercing for increased redness, swelling, pain, or changes in how the jewelry sits.
- Continue Aftercare: Stick to your piercer's recommended cleaning regimen. Gentle saline solution soaks or sprays can help reduce irritation.
- Avoid Further Pressure: Immediately implement preventative measures like using a travel pillow or adjusting your sleeping position.
- Consult a Professional Piercer: If irritation persists, you notice significant migration, or you suspect the piercing might be rejecting, visit a reputable piercer. They can assess the situation, recommend solutions like jewelry downsizing, or advise if removal is necessary.
Remember, consistent observation and proactive care are key to successful piercing healing and maintenance.
