it depends. if you are making rapid improvements its a must which it seems like you have.
your tendons and ligaments need a chance to catch up.
ego is a major problem in the gym. there is a young guy probably 18/19 who benched the other day and asked me for a spot.. he said he hurt his shoulder really bad yet he was benching 275+... thats just dumb... i see a lot of guys who go heavy who bitch about shoulder problems.. seems to be a recurring theme, i'm guessing its major tendon/ligament problems in their shoulder and once the problem happens if you don't rest it then it will become chronic