The Connection Between Dry Eyes and Sleep: How to Wake Up with More Comfortable Eyes

You know that feeling when you wake up, open your eyes, and—BAM—it feels like you’ve been sleeping in a wind tunnel? Or like someone replaced your eyeballs with a pair of sandpaper discs? If so, your sleep and your dry eyes are NOT on good terms.

Good news: we can fix that. Because let’s be real—no one should wake up feeling like they spent the night in a desert.

Why Do Dry Eyes Get Worse Overnight?

☑️ Your Eyelids Might Not Fully Close – Believe it or not, some people sleep with their eyes slightly open (a condition called nocturnal lagophthalmos). This means your poor eyeballs are drying out all night long.

☑️ Tear Production Slows Down at Night – Your body produces fewer tears while you sleep, so if your eyes are already on the drier side, you’re starting the morning at a disadvantage.

☑️ Bedroom Air is Working Against You – Ceiling fans, heaters, and AC vents suck the moisture out of the air—and your eyes.

☑️ Eye Allergies or Inflammation – If you wake up with red, irritated, or swollen eyes, allergens or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) could be messing with your tear film.

How to Wake Up With Happy Eyes:

1. Use a Sleep Mask (or Try Eyelid Tape)
If your eyelids don’t fully close, try a moisture chamber sleep mask or gentle eyelid tape (yes, it’s a thing). Keeping your eyes covered helps lock in the moisture overnight.

2. Apply a Thick, Ointment-Based Lubricant Before Bed
Regular eye drops are great during the day, but at night, you need something thicker that will last. Look for preservative-free gel or ointment drops to keep your eyes hydrated while you sleep.

3. Get a Humidifier
If your bedroom air is drier than a saltine cracker, a humidifier can be a game-changer. It adds moisture to the air, which means your eyes don’t have to work as hard to stay hydrated.

4. Avoid Sleeping Under a Fan or Near an Air Vent
If you wake up with extra dry, irritated eyes, try redirecting airflow away from your face. Your eyeballs will thank you.

5. Treat Any Underlying Eyelid Issues

If your dry eyes are caused by blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction, warm compresses and lid scrubs before bed can help keep things under control.

Final Thoughts: Stop Waking Up Miserable

Dry eyes and bad sleep do not mix well, but the good news is there are plenty of solutions. If you’re tired of waking up with scratchy, irritated eyes, let’s figure out what’s causing it and get you some relief.

Book an appointment at 2020 Eyemax, our office in Lexington, Kentucky, and let’s make mornings less miserable.