How to Sleep After Getting a Tattoo

You've picked a design, found a tattoo artist, and completed the tattoo; now it's time to sleep. If your tattoo is on your back, chest, or side, it's important to protect it while you rest. Protecting your tattoo includes: using clean bed sheets, allowing the tattoo to breathe, and changing your sleeping position. Your tattoo will heal quickly if you sleep soundly and well, and soon enough you'll be able to sleep as usual.

Before sleeping, change to clean bed sheets. Dead skin cells and bacteria on old sheets can cause infections, especially when you remove the bandage from the tattoo. Make sure to replace the sheets with fresh ones before going to bed.

• If you have enough sheets, it's best to change them every night.
• Opt for dark-colored sheets instead of light ones, as the tattoo might stain the sheets.

Follow your tattoo artist's instructions for covering the tattoo. Ask your artist whether you need to wrap your tattoo while sleeping and when to remove the bandage. They may recommend keeping the original bandage on during the first night. You may also be instructed to use a sterile gauze pad over the tattoo to replace the bandage at home.

• If the bandage isn't adhesive, use medical tape to secure it around the tattoo. Be careful not to stick it directly on the tattoo to avoid pain when removing it.
• Avoid wrapping the tattoo with plastic wrap as it can trap sweat and bacteria on the tattoo.

Choose a sleeping position that avoids placing pressure on the tattoo. The tattoo needs air to heal faster. Lying directly on it can irritate the skin and cause moisture to collect on the tattoo while you sleep. Here are recommended positions based on the tattoo location:

• Back: sleep on your stomach
• Side: sleep on the opposite side
• Chest: sleep on your back
• Legs: prop your legs up with a pillow or cushion

Avoid sleeping directly on the tattoo for 4-7 days after getting it. The tattoo will leak fluid and bleed in the first few days after the tattooing process. It's essential not to sleep directly on the tattoo during this time as it needs airflow. Once a new skin layer forms over the tattoo, typically after 4-7 days, you can start sleeping on the tattoo.

• You may also notice peeling skin and flaking, which can cause itching.

Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep. Your body will treat the tattoo like an injury, so you'll need extra sleep for proper healing. Getting sufficient rest gives your body more time to recover, helping the tattoo heal faster.

• Remember that your immune system is responding to the tattoo, so support it by eating nutritious food.

If the bed sheets stick to your tattoo while sleeping, dampen them gently. If you wake up and find the sheets stuck to your tattoo, don’t pull them off immediately as this could slow the healing process. Instead, keep the sheet in place over the tattoo, carefully head to the sink, wet the sheet, and then peel it off.

• To prevent the bed sheet from sticking to the tattoo, place a clean towel or fabric under the tattoo area before sleeping. Replace the towel or sheet if it sticks to you during the night.
• If the sheet sticks to a hard-to-reach tattoo, such as on your back, take the entire sheet to the bathroom and run warm water over it to remove it.

Wear loose clothing to avoid friction on the tattoo. The skin with the tattoo will be extremely sensitive and may still hurt, making it difficult to sleep. To prevent the tattoo from rubbing against rough fabric, wear soft, loose clothing to bed.

• If you'd like, you can skip wearing sleepwear if it covers the tattoo.

Place a pillow under your knees for a more comfortable sleeping position. You’ll avoid lying directly on your tattoo if you have a pillow or cushion for support while you sleep. If you’re sleeping on your back to avoid pressure on a chest tattoo, place small pillows or a rolled towel beneath your knees.

• If it feels too steep, add a pillow under your head.
• The pillow under your knees will help support your lower back, making you feel more comfortable.

Place a pillow under your chest if you need to lie on your stomach. If your tattoo is on your back and you find it uncomfortable to sleep on your stomach, place a pillow under your chest. The pillow will slightly elevate your body, reducing pressure on your chest.

• If the discomfort persists, consider purchasing a specialized stomach-sleeping pillow or a face-down pillow with an opening in the center for your head.

Place a pillow in front and behind you if you sleep on your side. If your tattoo is on your side, sleep on the opposite side. To prevent rolling onto your tattoo, you can place a long pillow or a body pillow near your chest. Then, place another pillow behind your back.

• Ask someone for help if you’re unable to arrange the pillows yourself.

Sleep alone for the first few nights after getting a tattoo. If you usually share your bed with someone, ask them to sleep in another room so you can get a better night's rest. This is especially important if the other person tends to move around while sleeping or if you're adjusting to sleeping in a different position.

• The pillows you use may take up a lot of space on the bed, leaving little room for the other person.
• If you usually let your pet sleep on the bed, have them sleep elsewhere for the first few days after getting your tattoo. This will help prevent pet dander and bacteria from getting into the tattoo.

Establish a relaxing routine before bedtime. To make it easier to sleep, avoid bright lights from your TV, phone, or computer screen for at least one hour before bed. Instead, engage in relaxing activities such as reading, doing yoga, or chatting with someone.

• Consider cutting back on caffeine throughout the day to help you fall asleep more easily.

• If you're traveling or staying in a hotel after getting a tattoo, bring your own clean bed sheets instead of relying on the hotel’s.