Should You Sleep With Jewelry On?

Key Takeaways

Remove Jewelry Before Bed: It’s generally best to remove all types of jewelry before going to sleep to avoid potential risks such as discomfort, injury, and damage to both your skin and the jewelry itself.
Potential Risks: Sleeping with jewelry on can lead to skin irritation, possible damage to the jewelry due to bending or breakage, and injury hazards, especially with earrings or large pendants getting entangled in hair or clothing.
Care and Storage: Store your jewelry in a dedicated jewelry box or on a nightstand dish to prevent tangles, loss, or damage. Additionally, adopt healthy sleep habits to promote restful sleep and ensure the longevity of your cherished pieces.

Have you ever wondered if it’s safe to fall asleep wearing your favorite pieces of jewelry, such as your engagement ring or wedding band?

Are you eager to learn about the potential risks involved and the best way to take care of your jewelry at bedtime? We’ve got the answers you’re looking for!

In this article, we will explore the topic of sleeping with jewelry on and provide you with valuable tips to ensure the longevity of your cherished pieces. So, should you sleep with jewelry on? Let’s find out!

Potential Risks of Sleeping with Jewelry

Sleeping with your jewelry on may seem convenient, but it can pose several potential risks to both your skin, your beloved accessories. Rings, bracelets, and necklaces may become entangled in bedding or clothing, potentially causing discomfort or even injury.

To avoid these potential risks, it’s best to remove your jewelry before bedtime. By doing so, you can prevent skin irritation, protect your jewelry from damage, and ensure a comfortable and safe sleep.

Skin Irritation

Wearing jewelry while you sleep can increase the likelihood of skin irritation, specifically contact dermatitis. Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source The combination of metal and sweat can create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to rashes, redness, and even infection. Metals like nickel, which are added to gold and silver, can be extremely irritating.

Even though gold and silver might seem safe, they usually have other metals mixed in. Metals like nickel, which are added to gold and silver, can be extremely irritating. If your skin is sensitive and prone to allergies, make sure your jewelry is made of 14k gold or higher.

Possible Damage to the Jewelry

Resting your body weight on your jewelry while sleeping can cause it to bend, break, or lose its shape. Clasps or prongs may get tangled or caught in bedsheets, resulting in potential damage to the piece.

Injury Hazards

Sleeping with earrings or large pendants can put you at risk of injury. One common issue that arises is the risk of jewelry getting tangled in your hair, particularly if you’re sleeping with long hair unbound. Or the piece can get caught in your clothes. Such entanglement can lead to painful pulling or even tearing.

Rings and bracelets can also pose risks, as they can easily catch on fabrics in your sheets and clothes or otherwise be pulled by accident, causing discomfort or injury.

And for those who have long hair, we might recommend sleeping with a bonnet to take the best care of it, even if you take the precaution of removing your jewelry before bed.

Build-up of Sweat, Dirt, and Bacteria

Throughout the day, your jewelry collects sweat, dirt, and bacteria. During sleep, this buildup can become trapped between the jewelry and your skin, leading to unpleasant odors, skin irritation, and even infections.

Morning Discomfort

Another area of concern is the potential discomfort caused by resting your head on jewelry while lying in bed. The hard metal or sharp edges of certain pieces can create unnecessary pressure on your neck or head, making it harder to find the restful sleep you deserve.

Can I Wear This Jewelry Piece to Bed?

The bottom line is that in most cases, it’s better to take off your jewelry before going to sleep. While there are some exceptions, like newly pierced ears, sleeping with jewelry on poses unnecessary risks to both you and your precious accessories.

Remove those beautiful baubles before bed and both you and your jewelry will be better off in the long run!

Here’s a quick rundown on common jewelry pieces and whether or not they should be removed before bed.

Earrings

For earrings and other piercings, it depends on how healed the piercing is. For new piercings that are still healing, it’s generally recommended to keep the starter jewelry in overnight to prevent the piercing from closing up. However, once a piercing is fully healed, it’s okay to remove the jewelry before sleep.

For comfort, choose small studs made of hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel, titanium or gold if keeping earrings in overnight. Dangling or hoop earrings can more easily catch on things during sleep. For other piercings like nose or belly button rings, remove them if possible to prevent injury or discomfort while sleeping.

Necklaces

It’s best to take necklaces off before going to bed. Necklaces can easily get tangled or caught on things while you toss and turn during sleep. This risks breaking the chain, loosening a pendant, or uncomfortably wrapping around your neck.

If you do choose to occasionally sleep in a necklace, opt for something short, light and simple made of a strong material to minimize risk of damage to you or the necklace.

But in general, remove your necklace before bed and store it somewhere safe.

Bracelets or Watches

Bracelets and watches should be removed at bedtime. Sleeping with a bracelet or watch on can be quite uncomfortable, especially if it’s a rigid bangle or chunky timepiece. The jewelry can painfully press into your wrist or get caught on hair and bedding.

Metal bracelets or watches can also trap sweat against your skin overnight. There’s also the risk of unconsciously flailing your arms during sleep and scratching yourself or your partner with a bracelet or watch.

Play it safe and remove bracelets and watches before getting some shut-eye.

Anklets

Opinions are a bit more mixed on anklets, but we lean towards removing them before bed as well. If you’re wearing a dainty, lightweight chain it likely won’t cause any issues. But chunkier anklets can be uncomfortable to sleep in and get all tangled up.

There’s also the hygiene factor to consider. Your feet tend to get sweaty, so trapping that sweat and any bacteria in the bed against your skin all night with an anklet isn’t ideal. Unless it’s a very thin, comfortable anklet you forget you’re even wearing, we recommend removing it before tucking yourself in for the night.

Rings

Definitely take your rings off before going to sleep. It’s one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your rings. Sleeping with rings on puts pressure on the metal which over time can change their shape.

Rings can also scratch you or snag your bedding. Residue and bacteria can also build up under a ring overnight. It’s just not great for your rings or your fingers to keep them on 24/7.

Get in the routine of removing your rings before bed and putting them somewhere safe, like a ring dish or jewelry box, then put them back on in the morning.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Jewelry at Bedtime

Before you drift off to sleep, make it a habit to remove your jewelry. This practice not only reduces the risk of damage but also ensures maximum comfort during the night.

Gently take off your rings, earrings, and other pieces, paying attention to avoid any undue force. If you have a wedding band, it’s especially important to take it off as the pressure from your hand against the bed can cause wear and tear over time.

When it comes to protecting your precious jewelry while you sleep, taking a few simple precautions can go a long way.

Minimize the Risk of Damage

To further safeguard your jewelry, it’s essential to be mindful of potential risks:

Avoid wearing delicate pieces that are prone to damage, especially during sleep and your bedtime routine.
If you have a tendency to move around a lot in bed or sleep with your hand under the pillow, it’s best to remove your rings and bracelets.
And if you have a nighttime skin routine you may want to take your pieces off earlier in the evening, to avoid any creams and lotions that may tarnish or discolor your jewelry.

Use a Jewelry Box

One of the best ways to safeguard your jewelry is by storing it in a dedicated jewelry box. Not only does it keep your pieces organized and easily accessible, but it also minimizes the risk of damage.

With designated compartments for different types of jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets, a jewelry box helps prevent them from getting tangled or scratched.

Consider also using small, individual pouches or wrapping each piece in a soft cloth before placing them in your jewelry box. This extra layer of protection helps prevent scratches and ensures your gold, silver, or gemstone pieces stay in excellent condition.

Have a Spot on the Nightstand

If you don’t want to tuck away your daily pieces like a wedding ring or watch away in a jewelry box, you can have a small dish or ring holder among your nightstand essentials. This lets you take the jewelry off at night and put it on first thing in the morning.

Others may see jewelry as something to not be kept in the bedroom, particularly if they have a small sleeping space that doesn’t allow room for much extras.

Better Sleep Habits

When it comes to sleep, your habits and choices can significantly impact the quality of your rest.

In addition to removing your jewelry before bed, there are several other good sleep habits you can adopt to promote a restful and rejuvenating sleep. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment are key to improving the quality of your slumber.

Stick to a Sleep Schedule

Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, helps regulate your body’s internal clock. This consistency reinforces your sleep-wake cycle and a regular sleep schedule can help you fall asleep more easily at night.

Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Develop a calming pre-sleep ritual to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. This may include taking a warm bath, reading a book, practicing gentle stretches, or engaging in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

Optimize Your Sleep Environment

Your bedroom should be a peaceful haven designed for sleep. Keep the room cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a comfortable mattress, pillows, and bedding to ensure maximum comfort throughout the night. Consider using earplugs, a sleep mask, or a white noise machine if needed.

Limit Screen Time Before Bed

The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Avoid using smartphones, tablets, or computers at least an hour before bedtime. If you must use a device, consider using blue light blocking glasses or installing a blue light filter app.

Be Mindful of What You Eat and Drink

Avoid consuming large meals close to bedtime, as eating before bed can cause indigestion and discomfort. Limit your intake of caffeine, especially in the hours leading up to sleep, as they can disrupt your sleep quality.

Instead, opt for a light and healthy snack before bed if you’re hungry or a soothing herbal tea to promote relaxation.

Get Regular Exercise

Engaging in regular physical activity can improve your sleep quality and help you fall asleep more quickly. However, while exercise is good for sleep, avoid vigorous exercise too close to bedtime, as it may have a stimulating effect. Aim to finish your workout at least a few hours before you plan to sleep.

Manage Stress and Anxiety

High levels of stress and anxiety can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or journaling before bed to calm your mind before bed.

If anxiety persists, consider speaking with a mental health professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take my jewelry off before bed?

Yes, we strongly recommend removing your jewelry before going to bed. Sleeping with jewelry on can cause discomfort, as well as potential damage to the jewelry pieces or to your skin.

Moreover, the jewelry may snag on your bedding or clothing, which can lead to stretching, breaking, or even loss of the items.

Should I take off my necklace before sleeping?

Yes, we advise you take off your necklace before sleeping. Necklaces can become tangled or caught on your bedding, potentially causing the chain to break or the clasp to weaken over time.

Additionally, wearing a necklace while sleeping may cause skin irritation or discomfort, especially if the necklace is tight or has rough edges. The necklace may also become a choking hazard if it gets tangled up with or caught on anything.

Should I take off my rings at night?

Removing your rings before bed is a good habit to adopt. Sleeping with rings on can cause them to become misshapen or damaged due to the pressure placed on them during sleep. Furthermore, rings can trap moisture and bacteria against your skin, which may lead to skin irritation or infections.

You can keep a small ring dish with the rest of your nightstand essentials.

Is it okay to leave earrings in overnight?

Yes, it is generally acceptable to leave earrings in overnight, especially if your piercings are fully healed. However, it is important to choose comfortable, hypoallergenic earrings that won’t irritate your skin or catch on your bedding.

If you have newly pierced ears or sensitive skin, it may be better to remove your earrings before sleeping to allow your skin to breathe and prevent irritation. However, newly pierced earlobes may close up if there’s no piercing present, so you may want to keep a small set of stud earrings on hand for sleep.

How do I protect my piercing when I sleep?

To protect your piercing while sleeping, choose jewelry made from hypoallergenic materials such as titanium, surgical steel, or gold. Ensure that the jewelry is comfortable and fits properly to minimize the risk of snagging or pulling.

If you have a new piercing, consider using a clean pillow cover and sleeping on your back to avoid putting pressure on the piercing.

Why you shouldn’t sleep with jewelry on?

Sleeping with jewelry on can lead to several problems, in our experience. Firstly, it can cause physical discomfort and skin irritation, especially if the jewelry is tight or has rough edges. Secondly, jewelry can become damaged or misshapen due to the pressure and movements during sleep.

Lastly, sleeping with jewelry on increases the risk of losing or misplacing the items, particularly if they become caught on bedding or clothing.

Conclusion

When you sleep with your jewelry, you risk discomfort, injury, and potential damage to your cherished pieces. Falling asleep wearing your favorite pieces may seem convenient, but it can lead to potential discomfort, especially if you’re a restless sleeper.

As we discussed earlier, wearing jewelry while you fall asleep can lead to skin irritation, damage to the jewelry itself, and even the chance of hurting yourself. The accumulation of sweat, dirt, and bacteria can also be a concern.

We’ve found it’s advisable to remove your jewelry before bed, especially if it contains sensitive gemstones or delicate metals.

Remember to store your jewelry in a designated jewelry box or a small dish on your nightstand to prevent tangles, loss, or damage. Don’t forget also that establishing healthy sleep habits and removing your jewelry before showering before bed will help ensure the longevity and beauty of your cherished pieces.

Featured Mattresses

Featured Products