Daytime Naps: Why Your Eyes Feel Strange Upon Awakening

There are many reasons why your eyes may feel weird after a daytime nap. One of the most common causes is dry eye, which can be caused by a lack of tears or poor-quality tears, resulting in insufficient moisture on the surface of the eye. Other causes include eye strain from excessive screen time, allergies, and underlying conditions such as eye injuries or infections. Additionally, sleeping with your eyes partially open or in a dry environment can also contribute to ocular discomfort. If you experience persistent or severe eye pain or irritation, it is recommended to consult an eye doctor or optometrist for a professional examination.

Dry eye syndrome

However, various factors can disrupt the healthy tear film, leading to dry eyes. One common cause is decreased tear production, which can be attributed to certain medical conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome, allergic eye disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, graft vs. host disease, sarcoidosis, thyroid disorders, or vitamin A deficiency. Additionally, certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, and medicines for high blood pressure, acne, birth control, and Parkinson's disease, can contribute to reduced tear production.

Another factor contributing to dry eyes is increased tear evaporation. This can occur when the oil film produced by the meibomian glands, located on the edge of the eyelids, becomes clogged. Blocked meibomian glands are commonly associated with skin disorders such as rosacea. Blinking less frequently, whether due to concentration during activities like reading or driving, or as a result of certain conditions like Parkinson's disease, can also lead to increased tear evaporation.

The symptoms of dry eye syndrome include a stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes, stringy mucus in or around the eyes, sensitivity to light, a feeling of having something in the eyes, difficulty wearing contact lenses, and difficulty with nighttime driving. In some cases, dry eyes can lead to eye infections, inflammation, abrasion of the corneal surface, corneal ulcers, and even vision loss if left untreated.

To alleviate the discomfort of dry eye syndrome, treatments such as artificial tears and eye drops are often recommended. Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as avoiding air blowing directly into the eyes, adding moisture to the air with humidifiers, wearing protective eyewear, and taking regular breaks from screen time, can help manage the condition.

Environmental factors

There are several environmental factors that can cause your eyes to feel weird after sleeping during the day. One of the main factors is dry air, which can cause your tears to evaporate more quickly, leading to dry eye symptoms such as itchiness, redness, and irritation. This is more common in the winter, but some climates have dry air all year round. Using a humidifier in your bedroom or keeping your bedroom window closed can help prevent these symptoms.

Another environmental factor is exposure to allergens in your bedding or bedroom. Allergies can cause eye pain, redness, burning, swelling, and itchiness. Washing your bedding regularly, showering before bed, and keeping your bedroom window closed can help reduce allergens and prevent eye irritation.

Additionally, sleeping directly in front of or under air vents, ceiling fans, or heating units can contribute to ocular surface dehydration, leading to dry and irritated eyes.

Contact lens issues

Contact lenses are not designed for sleep, and wearing them while napping or sleeping can lead to a host of issues, from minor irritation to serious infections.

Restricted Eye Oxygen

When you wear contact lenses, they reduce the oxygen supply to the cornea, which usually gets its oxygen from the air and from blood vessels in the eyelid at night. Closing your eyes with contact lenses in further lowers the oxygen supply, causing your eyes to become irritated and develop redness and inflammation, potentially impairing your vision.

Tear Film Stagnation

The tear film on the surface of the eye, which protects it from bacteria and other foreign matter, cannot be refreshed when contacts are worn during sleep. This allows bacteria to spread and cause infections.

Interaction with the Surface of the Eye

Wearing contact lenses for too long can change the structure of the eye's surface and may even alter its shape. Contact lenses can rub against the cornea while sleeping, causing discomfort and inflammation.

Exposure to Microbes via Contamination

Sleeping with contact lenses creates an environment for germs to thrive. To avoid this, it is important to practice good contact lens hygiene, including washing your hands before handling lenses, allowing the lens case to air dry, and regularly cleaning the case.

Increased Risk of Eye Infections

Sleeping with contact lenses can lead to a higher risk of eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), keratitis, and corneal ulcers. These infections can cause discomfort, impaired vision, and, in some cases, permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

Dry, Red, and Gritty Eyes

Upon waking up, you may find that your eyes are dry, red, and gritty. There may also be a crusty build-up around the eye, particularly along the lashes and inner corners. This is caused by contact lenses collecting dirt and debris if not removed, cleaned, and disinfected daily.

Stuck Contact Lenses

Napping or sleeping with contact lenses can also cause them to get stuck underneath your eyelid, requiring professional removal by an eye doctor.

Eye conditions

There are several eye conditions that can cause discomfort or weird sensations after sleeping during the day. Here are some possible reasons:

Dry Eye Syndrome:

Dry eye is a common condition caused by a lack of sufficient tears or poor-quality tears. During sleep, the lacrimal gland produces fewer tears, leading to reduced lubrication and moisture in the eyes. This can result in a gritty or itchy feeling, redness, irritation, and discomfort. Dry eye can be treated with artificial tears, increasing humidity, hydrating adequately, and using a warm compress.

Nocturnal Lagophthalmos:

Some people sleep with their eyes partially open, a condition known as nocturnal lagophthalmos. This causes the tears and corneal surface to dry out, leading to pain, scratchiness, mucous discharge, and a foreign body sensation upon waking. Systemic conditions such as Bell's Palsy, tumors, paralysis, thyroid disease, and Grave's disease can contribute to this issue.

Blepharitis:

Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyes caused by bacterial overgrowth. The bacteria are more active at night, leading to dry eye symptoms such as redness and irritation when you wake up.

Eye Allergies:

Allergens in the bedroom or bedding can cause eye allergies, resulting in red, itchy, irritated, and swollen eyes. Allergy medicine, regular cleaning of bedding, and keeping the bedroom window closed can help alleviate these symptoms.

Eye Strain:

Staring at digital screens, such as computers or smartphones, for extended periods can cause eye strain or digital eye strain. This can lead to dry, tired, itchy, and burning eyes. Taking regular breaks, adjusting screen positioning, and following the 20-20-20 rule can help prevent eye strain.

Other Conditions:

Other possible eye conditions that may cause discomfort after sleeping include pink eye (conjunctivitis), angle-closure glaucoma, recurrent epithelial erosion, and eyelid inflammation (blepharitis).

Lack of sleep

However, a lack of sleep can also lead to more serious eye problems over time. One issue is dry eye, which occurs when tears do not adequately lubricate the eyes. This can cause pain, light sensitivity, itching, redness, and blurred vision. Sleep deprivation can also cause popped blood vessels in the eye due to eye strain, a condition known as Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (AION), commonly seen in middle-aged to elderly individuals with sleep apnea. This condition involves inflammation of the blood vessels, and damage to the optic nerve from insufficient blood supply can eventually lead to vision loss.

Additionally, lack of sleep can cause eye fatigue, which is often associated with spending long hours staring at digital screens such as computers, smartphones, or game consoles. This can lead to dry, tired, itchy, and burning eyes, as well as blurred or double vision and increased sensitivity to light. Sleep is crucial for providing the eyes with essential nutrients and preventing repeated eye irritation.

Frequently asked questions