How To Sleep With Your Eyes Open | Steps, Medical Causes, Side Effects & More
You may be curious to know if it’s even possible to sleep with your eyes open. The short answer is, yes, it’s possible, but it’s not recommended given the long-term health effects. Though sometimes sleeping with your eyes open may allow you to relax your mind and body, doing so regularly can negatively impact your health.
Side Effects of Sleeping with your eyes open
It’s normal and natural to sleep with your eyes closed because your eyelids block light, which stimulates your brain into wakefulness. Closing your eyes shuts off light sources to your retina, which is essential for good sleep. The body produces the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin only when it perceives darkness around.
There’s also a reason each person has eyelids. They act as a protecting cover for your eyes, shielding them from dust, dirt, and irritants. Every time you blink, your eyes are coated with oils and mucus, keeping them nourished and hydrated. Shutting your eyelids for a prolonged period during sleep boosts eye health because it keeps your eyes moisturized and allows them to rest, along with your body. Sleeping with your eyes closed is good for your eyes and your overall sleep quality. When you don’t shut your eyes and sleep in this natural way, it affects both your sleep quality and eye health.
However, you may choose to sit and sleep with your eyes open to allow yourself to sneak in some rest time. You can do it once in a while to effectively utilize your downtime, but doing so regularly may lead to problems such as:
- Eye irritation, such as dryness or redness
- Burning sensation
- Blurry vision
- Sleep disruptions at bedtime
Steps to Train Yourself to Sleep with eyes Open
Despite the side effects, if you still want to use this trick of sleeping with your eyes open for a quick cat nap or rest, below is a step-by-step guide to train yourself:
Relaxation Techniques
1. Relax yourself: Pick a secluded spot for yourself, so you can avoid any disruptions while sleeping. Then, practice progressive muscle relaxation to calm your entire body. You can do this by tensing and then relaxing all of your muscles, starting from your toes and moving up to your neck and head. This physiological process precedes sleep, and replicating it prepares your body to sleep with your eyes open.
2. Breathe slowly: You should focus on your breath next. Take deep and measured inhales in and out of your nose. Try counting at one-second intervals to get the full effect and benefits of deep breathing. You’ll begin to relax without feeling the need to close your eyes.
Maintaining Focus and Calmness
3. Focus on something: Then, choose a point to focus on. Avoid choosing a bright object or light because that will disrupt your sleep. You can fix your gaze on any stagnant object or point to prevent your vision from wandering. If you keep moving your eyes, it will delay the process of sleep.
4. Let your thoughts flow: Let your thoughts flow: The ultimate goal is to attain a clear mind, free of thoughts, making you feel calm and at peace. You can consciously think of happy and positive things to soothe your nerves and prepare for sleep.
Using these steps, you should be able to get in a quick rest while keeping your eyes open.
Bonus Technique to try:
Common practice is to meditate with closed eyes, but meditating with the eyes open could eventually help you learn to fall asleep that way as well.
Start in a dark, quiet room. Find a comfortable, seated position in either a chair on the floor. However, avoid lying down.
Meditating with Your Eyes Open
5. Focus on two objects at once: With your left eye, look at something on the left side of the room, and then use your right one to look at something on the right side.
6. Concentrate on deep and even breaths: Once you feel comfortable with open-eye meditation at home, try it out in public.
Medical Causes of Sleeping with Eyes Open
Sometimes neurological problems or physical abnormalities may prevent you from closing your eyes while sleeping. With time, you may outgrow some of these medical causes, but certain cases may require medical intervention to prevent further complications.
Nocturnal Lagophthalmos
Nocturnal Lagophthalmos is a condition in which the affected people are unable to close their eyes properly during sleep. It affects 1.4 percent of the adult population. Certain physical abnormalities of the face, eyes, eyelids, or ingrown eyelashes may cause nocturnal lagophthalmos. Excessive eye dryness may also lead to this condition. It’s best to consult with your doctor for proper treatment.
Injury or Trauma to Facial Nerves
Injuries to the facial nerves, whether from accidents or cosmetic surgery, can result in difficulties in closing the eyelids completely. This can also occur as a complication of ptosis corrective surgery, which addresses drooping upper eyelids caused by weak eyelid muscles. If the nearby nerves are damaged during the procedure, it may become challenging to fully close the eyes. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial in such cases to prevent further damage or injury.
Bell's Palsy
Bell’s Palsy is a condition characterized by temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial nerves, including those controlling the eyelids. Individuals affected by Bell’s Palsy may experience difficulty in closing their eyes while sleeping. While most people recover from this condition without treatment, it is advisable to consult with a doctor to expedite the recovery process and minimize the risk of eye damage or injury. Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, or, in rare cases, surgery.
Autoimmune Conditions
Certain autoimmune conditions, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, can affect the nerves responsible for controlling facial and eyelid muscles. As a result, individuals diagnosed with these conditions may find it challenging to sleep with their eyes closed.
Moebius Syndrome
Moebius syndrome is a rare inherited disorder that causes weakness or paralysis of the facial nerves. This condition is present from birth and can affect various facial movements, including the ability to close the eyelids, pucker the lips, smile, frown, or raise the eyebrows.
Ptosis Surgery
Ptosis, a condition characterized by a drooping upper eyelid, can be attributed to muscle weakness or injury. Ptosis surgery aims to correct this condition; however, a common complication of the procedure is the inability to fully close the eyelid, resulting in sleeping with partially open eyes.
Stroke and Paralysis
During a stroke, reduced or blocked blood supply to the brain can cause brain cells to die within minutes. This can lead to paralysis of the face, including the eyelids. If someone exhibits drooping on one side of their face, it is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Sleeping with Eyes Open
Estimates suggest that approximately 1.4 percent of the population sleeps with their eyes open, with up to 13 percent having a family history of this condition, known as nocturnal lagophthalmos. Many individuals who sleep with their eyes open are often unaware since they cannot observe themselves during sleep. Common symptoms include dry, tired, or itchy eyes upon waking up. If concerned, it is advisable to have someone observe your sleep or consult a sleep specialist for a better understanding of your condition.
Dangers of Sleeping with Eyes Open
Sleeping with eyes open can lead to short-term annoyances such as dryness, redness, and irritation. However, chronic sleeping with eyes open can result in long-term complications, including inflammation, dry spots, ulcers, and potential scarring on the cornea or inside the eyelids. Therefore, it is recommended to strive for natural sleep with fully closed eyelids for optimal eye health.
Effects on Deep Sleep and Sleep Disruptions
Sleeping with eyes open can interfere with deep sleep as dry eyes and distractions in the field of vision can disrupt the sleep cycle. Achieving deep sleep becomes difficult under these circumstances.
Treatment Options for Eyes that Won't Close while Sleeping
The appropriate treatment for eyes that do not close during sleep depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, eye lubricants such as artificial tears and ointments can provide relief when applied during the day or at night. Eye patches or masks can also be used during sleep to keep the eyes covered and in darkness. In certain situations, surgery may be necessary to address physical causes, repair nerves, or remove nerve tumors. Gold weight implants can also be considered to aid in closing the eye.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you suspect that you are sleeping with your eyes open, it is essential to consult a doctor for a thorough examination. A medical professional will assess your eyes and eyelids, potentially utilizing imaging or neurological tests to gain further insight into your eye function. Timely treatment can significantly enhance sleep quality and overall eye health.