How to Sleep With a New Tattoo: Expert Tips

Getting a tattoo is exciting, but healing it properly, especially while sleeping, is crucial. A new tattoo is essentially an open wound, and nighttime is when your body does most of its healing.

However, improper sleep habits can disrupt the healing process or even damage your fresh ink.

Let’s explore how to sleep with a new tattoo the right way, based on recent facts, trends, and professional artist advice.

Can You Lay on a New Tattoo?

No, you should avoid lying directly on your fresh tattoo.

The pressure from your body weight can cause damage to the healing skin, smudge the ink, and increase the risk of developing a rash or infection.

When you sleep on a new tattoo, especially during the first few nights, it can stick to your sheets and cause scabbing or scarring when pulled.

It’s best to adjust your sleeping position to avoid direct contact until the skin has started forming a protective layer.

Best Sleeping Positions for New Tattoos

Your sleeping position should depend on the location of the tattoo. For instance, if you have a back tattoo, try sleeping on your stomach.

If it’s on your arm or shoulder, lie on the opposite side, using a soft pillow for support and elevation.

Leg tattoos are best managed by lying on your back and elevating your leg with a pillow to reduce swelling. Adjust your posture and bedding to prevent rolling onto your tattoo unconsciously during the night.

Should You Wrap Your Tattoo at Night?

Wrapping your tattoo at night, especially on the first night, is often recommended by artists.

The wrap protects the skin from dirt, bacteria, and accidental rubbing against bed sheets.

Use medical-grade plastic wrap or a breathable bandage, but don’t overdo it. Your tattoo needs some exposure to air for the skin to begin the healing process properly.

After the initial 24 to 48 hours, ask your artist if it’s safe to switch to a light covering or sleep with it unwrapped.

Keep Your Bedding Clean

It’s crucial to sleep on freshly washed sheets and avoid pet hair, dust, and bacteria.

A new tattoo is an open wound, and any dirt or irritants in your bedding can increase the risk of infection.

If your sheets are rough or contain detergents with strong chemicals, switch to a hypoallergenic fabric softener or sleep with a clean cotton cloth over your sheets to avoid irritation.

Avoid These While Sleeping

• Sleeping on your tattoo: This causes pressure, sweat buildup, and can distort your tattoo design during its most sensitive stage.
• Tight clothing: Clothes that press on the tattooed area can stick, rub off healing scabs, or restrict air flow, which is vital for recovery.
• Heavy sweating: Thick blankets or sleeping in a hot room can cause sweating, which not only makes your skin sticky but can also introduce bacteria into your healing tattoo.
• Alcohol or sedatives: These substances increase the chance of tossing and turning in your sleep, which could lead to you rolling onto your tattoo or sweating excessively.

How Long Until You Can Sleep Normally?

In general, most people can resume normal sleep positions after about 7 to 10 days. Though the healing process for a tattoo can take up to four weeks depending on size, location, and aftercare.

During the first week, avoid applying pressure on the tattooed area.

Monitor the site for signs of healing such as reduced redness, peeling, or scabbing. Once your tattoo no longer feels tender or sticky, you may begin sleeping more normally.

Bonus Pro Tips

• Loose, breathable clothing: Wear loose cotton garments or pajamas that won’t press against the inked skin. This reduces irritation and allows airflow to the area.
• Cool room temperature: Keep your bedroom slightly cool to prevent sweating. Use a fan or AC if necessary to stay dry and comfortable through the night.
• Don’t scratch your tattoo: It may itch as it heals, but scratching can pull off scabs and damage the design. Instead, gently tap the area or apply a cooling, tattoo-safe lotion.
• Use tattoo-safe ointment: Before bed, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, non-petroleum-based aftercare cream. This keeps the area moisturized and helps prevent the skin from sticking to clothing or sheets.