Getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience. After going through the process of picking a design, finding an artist, and sitting through the tattoo session, you can’t wait to show off your fresh ink. But once the initial thrill wears off, questions may start popping up, especially around tattoo aftercare. One common question is: can you sleep on a new tattoo?
The short answer
The short answer is yes, you can sleep on a new tattoo, but you’ll want to take precautions to avoid damaging the tattoo or getting an infection.
Why you should be careful sleeping on a new tattoo
There are a few reasons why you need to be careful about sleeping on a fresh tattoo:
- Your tattoo is essentially an open wound – The tattoo needle penetrates deep into your skin, leaving behind tiny wounds that need time to heal. Sleeping on the tattoo can disturb healing and cause scabbing or loss of color.
- There is a risk of infection – A new tattoo is vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, and germs. Sleeping on it can introduce pathogens and raise infection risk.
- The tattoo may stick to bedding – A fresh tattoo often leaks plasma, excess ink, and blood. The fluids can make the tattoo stick to any bedding it touches, risking damage when you roll over.
- The pressure can pulls at the skin – Body weight and pressure on the tattoo as you sleep can tug at the damaged skin, interfering with proper healing.
To keep your new ink looking its best, you’ll want to avoid these issues by taking some precautions.
Tips for sleeping with a new tattoo
If you just got some new ink, here are some tips to follow for safe, comfortable sleep:
1. Wait before going to bed
It’s best not to go straight to bed after getting tattooed. Give the tattoo at least 2-4 hours to dry and form a protective layer before sleeping. This prevents damage from bedding sticking to it.
2. Clean the area
Gently clean the tattoo with mild soap and water, then pat dry with a clean paper towel. This removes blood, plasma, or excess ink that could stain sheets or stick to the skin.
3. Apply a thin layer of lotion or ointment
Put a thin coat of fragrance-free lotion or tattoo aftercare ointment over the fresh ink. This creates a protective barrier against friction and bacteria.
4. Cover with a bandage or plastic wrap
Wrap the tattoo in plastic food wrap or a sterile bandage before bed. This shields it from rubbing on bedding and prevents leakage.
5. Wear loose, soft clothes
Avoid wearing tight clothing like jeans or elastic waistbands to bed. Opt for loose, soft fabrics like cotton or silk that won’t cling to the tattoo.
6. Use clean bedding
Make sure bed sheets, pillowcases, and blankets are freshly washed. This prevents contamination from bacteria lingering in dirty linens.
7. Avoid adhesive medical tape
Cover the tattoo with plastic wrap or a bandage, not medical tape. Adhesives can tug at and damage fresh tattoos when removed.
8. Sleep on your back or side
Avoid sleeping on the body part that holds your new tattoo. For example, sleep on your back or side rather than stomach if the tattoo is on your front torso or arms.
9. Use a separate pillow or towel
Place a clean towel or extra pillow between your body and tattoo if needed to avoid contact and pressure on the area.
10. Avoid submerging in water
Don’t soak the fresh tattoo in water from a bath or pool. The tattoo should stay dry for at least 2 weeks.
How long should you avoid sleeping on a tattoo?
It’s recommended to avoid putting too much pressure or friction on a new tattoo for at least 2-3 weeks. After 3 weeks, the tattoo should be healed enough that you can sleep on it normally without causing damage.
However, everyone heals differently. Some people may only need to take precautions for 10 days, while others may take longer than 3 weeks. The better your aftercare routine, the sooner you can resume normal activity and sleep.
Signs of problems from sleeping on a new tattoo
If you notice any of these signs, you may have irritated your new tattoo by sleeping on it:
- Scabbing or flaking – The tattoo looks dry, crusted, or is peeling.
- Blistering – There are raised, fluid-filled bumps on the tattoo.
- Bruising – The tattooed area looks bruised and swollen.
- Hot to the touch – The skin feels warm or hot when touched.
- Redness – The tattoo looks red and irritated beyond normal healing redness.
- Green or yellow discharge – There is abnormal colored fluid leaking from the tattoo.
- Change in color – Sections of the tattoo look faded or missing.
If you notice any severe issues like spreading redness, swelling, oozing, or changes in color, see your tattoo artist or doctor right away. Signs of infection need medical treatment.
Tattoo aftercare tips
Besides being mindful when sleeping, good tattoo aftercare is key for proper healing. Follow these crucial aftercare steps:
- Wash 2-3 times per day with mild soap – Use fragrance-free soap to gently clean the tattooed area, then pat dry.
- Apply a thin layer of cream – Keep the tattoo moisturized with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion or cream.
- Avoid soaking in water – No pools, baths, or hot tubs for 2-3 weeks until the tattoo fully heals.
- Don’t pick scabs – Let scabs naturally flake off as the skin heals.
- Wear sunscreen – Keep new tattoos covered and apply SPF 30+ if sun exposure is unavoidable.
- Avoid tight clothing – Tight clothes can stick to a fresh tattoo, so opt for loose styles.
- Don’t scratch or pick – As tempting as it is, scratching can displace ink and introduce bacteria.
By taking proper care of your new body art, you can keep it looking vibrant while avoiding complications.
The bottom line
It’s best to avoid sleeping directly on a new tattoo for at least 2-3 weeks. Take precautions like covering the tattoo, sleeping on your back, and using a separate pillow if needed. With proper aftercare, you can soon get back to your regular sleeping habits without worrying about damaging your fresh ink. Just be patient and treat your tattoo gently as it heals.