As it turns out, many people sweat while they sleep. Verywell Health notes that the cause for our soaked sheets can be linked to stress, anxiety, alcohol consumption, or a warm sleep environment. According to Bright Side, jewelry that sits directly on your skin, like a ring or a tight bracelet, will trap all of that extra sweat and become a breeding ground for bacteria. You might also want to consider that your jewelry can interrupt a quality night’s rest. Our hands naturally swell at night, meaning rings can suddenly become irritatingly tight at 3 a.m. If you’re wearing a long necklace, for example, your sheets could quickly become tangled in the chain.
You may also be increasing your risk for an allergic reaction. “Metals that are added to gold and silver such as nickel can be extremely irritating to the skin,” Dr. Marina Peredo, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, told Self. Give your skin a break from an allergy caused by over-exposure to metal.
Sleeping with your jewelry on may feel like no big deal, especially if you are in the habit of doing so. But to lessen your risk of skin irritation, bacteria build-up, and possible disruption during sleep, take a few moments before shutting off the lights to remove your jewelry.