Waking up with eyes that feel like sandpaper? Pushing through a persistent burning sensation in a half-wakened state in the middle of the night?
Nighttime dry eye is more than just annoying; it can genuinely interfere with getting a good night’s sleep and, over time, negatively impact your overall eye health.
That unmistakably gritty, scratchy feeling can steal precious hours of sleep, leave you feeling unrested, and for those who are more sensitive to changing sleep patterns, even unwell.
If your eyes feel dry and irritated overnight, here’s what might be the culprit and how you can sleep more comfortably with relief.
Why Do Eyes Get Dry at Night?
The reasons behind nighttime dry eye are often a combination of natural bodily processes, environmental factors, and sometimes, underlying medical conditions or medications. These include:
Natural Changes During Sleep
Our bodies undergo remarkable changes while we sleep, and our eyes are no exception. During waking hours, our eyes constantly produce tears to lubricate, clean, and protect the surface of the eye. At night, this production naturally decreases, leaving the eyes with less natural moisture.
Nighttime dry eyes can also arise from a condition called nocturnal lagophthalmos, where the eyelids do not fully close during sleep.
Even a tiny gap can leave a portion of the eye surface exposed to the air all night long. This constant exposure allows the tear film to evaporate rapidly, leading to significant dryness and irritation by morning.
Environmental Factors
Sleeping in a very dry room, especially during winter months when heating systems are running, can strip moisture from the air and, consequently, from your eyes. Low humidity creates an environment where tears evaporate more quickly.
Note that direct airflow from air conditioning vents, fans, or heaters blowing across your face throughout the night can also act like a constant dehydrating force on your eyes. Even a gentle breeze can accelerate tear evaporation, leaving eyes feeling parched.
Medical Conditions
Sometimes, nighttime dry eye is a symptom of a broader medical issue, like:
- Dry Eye Syndrome (DES): With this chronic condition, eyes don't produce enough quality tears for adequate lubrication. If you have DES during the day, you may experience exacerbated symptoms at night when tear production naturally dips.
- Eyelid Problems: Beyond nocturnal lagophthalmos, other eyelid issues, such as weak eyelid muscles, scarring from previous surgeries or injuries, or floppy eyelid syndrome, can prevent proper eyelid closure at night.
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): If these glands are blocked or not functioning well, the tear film becomes unstable, leading to rapid evaporation and dry eyes, particularly at night.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Certain systemic conditions, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus, can target the moisture-producing glands in the eyes, resulting in severe dry eye symptoms.
Medications
A surprising number of commonly prescribed and over-the-counter medications can have dry eyes as a side effect, including antihistamines, antidepressants, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and acne medications.
If you suspect that a medication is contributing to your dry eyes, always consult your doctor before making any changes.
Common Symptoms of Nighttime Dry Eye
The symptoms of nighttime dry eye are often most severe when you first wake up, but they can also disturb your sleep. Here are the hallmark signs:
- Gritty, Scratchy, or Burning Sensation
- Redness and Irritation
- Blurry Vision
- Excessive Tearing After Waking
How Dry Eyes Affect Sleep
The impact of dry eyes extends beyond mere discomfort; it can significantly disrupt your sleep architecture. For example, the persistent gritty, burning sensation can make it challenging to fall asleep and even wake you up from a deep slumber.
If you're constantly rubbing your eyes or blinking excessively during the night due to irritation, your sleep becomes fragmented and less restorative.
And poor sleep quality itself can exacerbate inflammation throughout the body, including the eyes, creating a vicious cycle where dry eyes disrupt sleep, and poor sleep makes everything worse.
4 Tips for Preventing and Managing Dry Eyes at Night
Improve Your Sleep Environment
Consider putting a humidifier in your bedroom to add much-needed moisture to the air, reducing tear evaporation. You can also position fans, air conditioning vents, or heaters so that they are not blowing directly onto your face or eyes.
A well-fitting eye mask can help keep your eyelids gently closed and protect your eyes from dry air. For more severe cases, specialized moisture chamber goggles create a sealed environment around your eyes, trapping humidity and preventing evaporation.
Eye Care Before Bed
Use preservative-free artificial tears or thicker gel drops right before you go to bed. These provide a layer of lubrication to help your eyes stay moist overnight.
For more intense or persistent dryness, an ophthalmologist might recommend an overnight lubricating ointment. These are thicker than drops and last longer but can cause temporary blurred vision, so they are best used right before sleep.
Keeping your eyelids clean helps remove debris and can improve the function of your Meibomian glands. Gentle lid hygiene, perhaps with a specialized eyelid cleanser, can make a difference in the quality of your natural tear film.
Use Eye-Press Self-Heating Warm Compresses + Lid Wipes
You can simplify your eye care and indulge in relaxing relief from dry eyes simply by using Eye-Press compresses and wipes.
This compact kit was invented by an ophthalmologist and contains mini, reusable, and self-heating eye compresses for instant relief from tired, dry eyes. Medicated wipes gently remove residue and help keep your eyes clean and pH-balanced.
Treat Underlying Conditions
If you suspect your eyelids don't close completely during sleep, an eye doctor can diagnose nocturnal lagophthalmos and discuss potential solutions, which might include taping the eyelids shut at night or, in rare cases, surgical options.
If blepharitis or MGD is contributing to your dry eyes, your eye doctor can recommend specific treatments like warm compresses, eyelid massage, prescription eye drops, or in-office procedures to clear blocked glands.
Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking that might be contributing to dry eye symptoms. There may be alternative medications or strategies to mitigate the side effects.
When to See an Eye Doctor
While most cases of nighttime dry eye can be managed with home remedies and environmental adjustments, it's wise to consult an eye care professional if:
- Your symptoms persist or worsen despite consistent home care.
- You notice any changes in your vision, such as increasing blurriness, or experience severe eye pain.
- You or a family member notices that your eyelids do not close completely during sleep.
- Your dry eye symptoms are significantly interfering with your daily life, work, or sleep quality.
- You have frequent eye infections or styes.
Sleep Better with Eye-Press as Part of Your Nighttime Routine
Nighttime dry eyes can be managed with the proper care and attention. Making small changes to your evening routine and sleep environment can significantly improve your sleep quality and how refreshed your eyes feel when you wake up.
Before you hit the sheets, dedicate five minutes to your eyecare routine. Apply the Eye-Press self-heating compresses and gently massage for four minutes. Then, wipe away residue with the lid wipes and enjoy a more comfortable, restful night.
