It is not recommended that you sleep on your tattoo. This is especially true in the first few weeks after receiving it. Sleeping on the tattoo will cause it to heal slower, increase the chance of infection, and damage the skin.
Reasons Why Sleeping On Tattoos Can Be Harmful
- Friction: When you sleep on a tattoo, friction can occur between the tattooed skin area and the bedding. This can cause irritation to the skin or cause the tattoos to fade.
- If you tattoo an area that is exposed to moisture, such as sweat or urine, this can increase the risk of bacterial infection.
- Sleeping on tattoos can lead to pressure being applied, slowing down the healing and causing discomfort.
- Transfer of germs. When you sleep you shed skin cells, and you transfer germs onto your skin from your bedding. This can cause infection and damage to the tattoo.
You can avoid sleeping directly on the tattoo by sleeping on your back, or on another part of your body. You can use a soft, clean towel or cloth as a cushion to protect the area from moisture and friction if you have to sleep on it. You should also carefully follow the aftercare instructions of your tattoo artist, which could include avoiding certain actions and moisturizing and cleaning the tattooed region.
This post was written by J Michael Taylor. J Michael Taylor is an artist and owner of Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery. Black Amethyst is the best amongst tattoo shops in Clearwater Florida. They provide an art-first approach to custom tattooing in a gallery setting.
