Caution: Sleeping this way could cause changes and damage to your ears.

Whether out of distraction, habit, or convenience, many people sleep with earrings in, unaware that their earlobes are under constant tension throughout the night. Specialists warn about possible consequences and complications, as well as offer a series of recommendations to avoid long-term problems.

As the specialized website Vinmec reveals, beyond the discomfort, this habit can cause side effects that include headaches, irritation, and the risk of infection.

It's important to note that, according to dermatologist Samantha Ellis, the most noticeable changes occur after age 40, when the earlobes lose firmness and the holes stretch, making earrings look loose and less attractive.

“Sleeping with earrings night after night causes premature wear,” explains Ellis, who recommends removing earrings before bed, unless the piercing is recent and still requires the earrings to prevent the holes from closing.

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The dermatologist indicated that the simplest measure to prevent premature stretching is to avoid sleeping with your earrings in, a recommendation that does not apply to piercings in the upper part of the ear, where the cartilage is firmer. The truth is that premature wear occurs from "wearing earrings in the soft lobe night after night, year after year, putting unnecessary stress on the piercing holes and causing them to stretch much sooner than they should." Along these lines, experts suggest alternatives to take care of the health of the earlobes and skin, such as choosing hypoallergenic materials, properly cleaning piercings, trying to sleep on your back to reduce risks, and avoiding wearing earrings while sleeping, especially large or dangling ones.

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Damage that can be caused to the ears

• Stretching of the earlobes : Wearing earrings overnight puts continuous stress on the earlobe, especially if they are heavy or large. Over time, this can cause the holes to enlarge and the earrings to look loose or droopy, altering the natural shape of the ear and making it difficult for the earrings to stay in place.

• Wounds and tears:

Underwires can easily get caught on bedding, pillows, or even your hair while you sleep. This repeated rubbing can cause small wounds, skin tears, or bleeding, increasing discomfort and the risk of subsequent infections.

• Headaches:

Sleeping on your side with earrings can put pressure on your ear and lobes. This constant pressure not only causes local discomfort but can also lead to headaches, especially in sensitive people or those with frequent migraines.

• Infections:

When you wear earrings while sleeping, your earlobes can accumulate sweat, dirt, and bacteria, leading to inflammation, discharge, or pain. A minor infection left untreated can become complicated and require medical attention.

• Allergic reactions:

Prolonged contact with certain metals, such as nickel, can cause allergic skin reactions. This can result in rashes, itching, redness, or even eczema around the earlobes, making wearing earrings painful and uncomfortable.