Wedding Bands: To Sleep Or Not?

Whether or not to sleep with your wedding band on is a personal choice. Some people choose to keep their rings on as a symbol of their love and commitment, while others find it uncomfortable or impractical. There are risks associated with wearing a ring to bed, such as the ring getting caught on bedding or clothing, causing injury or damage to the ring. Additionally, some people find that their fingers swell overnight, making the ring feel tight. On the other hand, taking your ring off at night means there is a risk of losing it. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference, and there are no right or wrong answers.

Wedding bands can get damaged when sleeping

Wedding bands can be damaged when sleeping. The ring can get caught on bedding, clothing, or hair, which can loosen the stone in its setting or damage the bedding. Sleeping with a wedding band on can also be uncomfortable, and there is a risk of injury to yourself or your partner, especially if the ring has a large center stone or a stone with edges. Additionally, if you experience finger swelling overnight, your ring may feel too tight and uncomfortable.

If you are a restless sleeper, it is advisable to take off your wedding band before bed to avoid damage or injury. You can store it in a secure jewellery box or another designated safe spot in your home. This way, you know where it is at all times, and it is easily accessible when you want to wear it.

Some people choose to sleep with their wedding bands on as a symbol of their love and commitment. It can also be a practical decision, as taking off and putting on a ring can be time-consuming, especially when tired. However, it is important to consider the risks and take precautions to ensure the ring is properly cared for. This includes having it professionally cleaned and serviced regularly and removing it when engaging in hand-intensive activities.

Ultimately, the decision to sleep with a wedding band on is a personal choice. Couples should weigh the risks and benefits and consider alternatives to keep their ring safe and secure when not wearing it.

They can be uncomfortable to wear in bed

Wedding rings are often designed with stones and raised settings, which can cause discomfort when sleeping. The ring can get caught in hair or bedding, leading to scratches or even injuries. It is not uncommon for people to wake up with their ring embedded in their swollen skin, which can be a painful and unpleasant experience. The ring's prongs can also loosen over time if worn during sleep, increasing the risk of losing stones. Additionally, some people experience finger swelling during sleep, making it difficult to remove the ring in the morning.

For those who are active sleepers, tossing and turning in bed can further increase the chances of the ring getting caught or damaged. The pressure exerted on the ring and the bedding can cause the ring to lose its shape or damage its prongs. Large center stones or stones with edges can also pose a risk of scratching oneself or one's partner during sleep.

While some people choose to keep their rings on while sleeping, particularly when away from home, others opt for comfort and safety by removing them. Some individuals use alternative options, such as silicone rings, to address discomfort and safety concerns. These rings are designed to break away when caught with high amounts of force, providing a safer alternative to traditional metal bands.

Ultimately, the decision to sleep with a wedding band on is a personal choice. However, it is essential to consider the potential discomfort, safety hazards, and risk of damage to the ring and bedding. Taking the ring off before sleep and storing it in a designated safe spot can provide peace of mind and ensure the ring's longevity.

They can get caught in hair or bedding

Wedding and engagement rings are often expensive and highly prized possessions, so it is understandable that people want to wear them as much as possible. However, there are several reasons why you might not want to wear your ring to bed. One of the most common issues is that the ring can get caught in your hair or bedding, which can be uncomfortable and cause damage to both the ring and your hair.

Rings with prongs or intricate settings are particularly prone to catching on hair and fabric. If you have long hair, it can easily become tangled in your ring, especially if you move around a lot in your sleep. This can result in damaged or broken hair, and it can also be painful to untangle. Similarly, if your ring gets caught on your bedding, it can pull on the fabric and cause snags or tears.

In addition to the potential damage to hair and bedding, wearing your ring to bed can also increase the risk of losing stones or damaging the setting. The constant movement of your hand during sleep can cause the ring to rub against the sheets or your skin, loosening the prongs or settings that hold the stones in place. This is especially true for rings with larger centre stones or stones with edges, such as square or elongated cuts.

To avoid these issues, many people choose to remove their rings before going to bed. This allows them to sleep comfortably without worrying about their ring getting caught or causing damage. It is generally recommended to have a designated spot for your ring when you're not wearing it, such as a ring dish or box, to avoid misplacing it.

While some people may feel uncomfortable taking off their ring, it is important to prioritise the safety and condition of your ring, especially if it has sentimental or monetary value. By taking proper care of your ring, you can ensure that it remains in good condition for years to come.

They can scratch you or your partner

It is generally not recommended to sleep with your wedding band on, as it can cause discomfort and leave red marks on your skin. More importantly, it can also scratch you or your partner. Large centre stones or stones with edges (like square or elongated cuts) can be particularly dangerous in this regard. Even if your ring has a simple band without additional detailing, it's still a good idea to take it off before bed to avoid any scratches or other damage.

Wedding rings are often made of precious metals that are prone to scratching. Platinum is the toughest metal, followed by 18-carat gold, 14-carat gold, and 9-carat gold, which is highly prone to marking. The ring can get scratched by other metals, such as keys or door handles, or even during everyday activities like washing the dishes, carrying a suitcase, gardening, or closing the car door.

In addition to scratching yourself or your partner, your ring could also scratch your bedding. This could be particularly concerning if you have expensive bedding that you don't want to damage.

While it may seem safer to keep your ring on to avoid losing it, there are other ways to mitigate this risk. For example, you could have one safe spot in your house as the only place you ever take your ring off and store it. This way, when your ring is not on you, you know where it is.

They can be hard to find if taken off

Wedding rings are traditionally worn at all times as a symbol of commitment to a partner. However, there are several reasons why someone might choose to remove their wedding band before going to sleep. One of the main concerns is that the ring could get caught on something, such as hair, bedding, or pyjamas, and be pulled off the finger. This could result in the ring being lost in the bedcovers and hard to find the next day.

Some people also worry about damaging their ring by wearing it to bed. For example, if the ring has prongs, these could loosen or get caught on something. Similarly, if the ring has a large stone, there is a risk of it scratching you or your partner during the night. In addition, if the ring is too tight, it could cut off circulation to the finger if it becomes swollen during sleep.

For some people, the decision to leave their wedding band on or take it off at night is influenced by their cultural or religious beliefs. For instance, in some religions, such as Christianity and Judaism, the wedding ring is considered a sacred symbol of love and commitment, and removing it is seen as breaking that commitment. On the other hand, certain cultures believe that removing a wedding ring can bring bad luck or affect your health by removing protection from evil spirits.

Finally, some people choose to leave their ring on while sleeping simply because they don't want to misplace it. They feel that keeping the ring in a safe place overnight is unnecessary and prefer to always have it on their finger so they know where it is.

Frequently asked questions