Waking up with dry, irritated eyes can make your morning more challenging, and while it may seem like a minor inconvenience, persistent dryness can significantly affect your comfort and well-being.
Dry eyes during sleep can be caused by your eyes not closing completely, a dry sleeping environment, or poor sleep habits, all of which contribute to tear evaporation and discomfort. Understanding these causes can help you find relief and prevent the issue from affecting your daily routine.
The Basics of Dry Eyes
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears, or when the tears you produce evaporate too quickly. Tears play an essential role in lubricating the eyes, keeping them comfortable, and protecting them from dust and debris.
The tear film consists of 3 layers: oil, water, and mucous. Any instability in these layers can lead to dry eye symptoms.
There are 2 main types of dry eyes:
- Aqueous deficiency: This occurs when there is a reduction in the production of the watery component of tears, which leads to insufficient lubrication of the eye.
- Evaporative dry eye: In this case, the tears evaporate too quickly from the surface of the eyes due to a lack of the oily layer in the tear film, which causes them to evaporate faster.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can range from mildly irritating to significantly uncomfortable. The most common symptoms include:
- Redness
- A gritty or sandy sensation
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- A burning or stinging feeling
- Watery eyes (a reflex to dryness)
What Causes Dry Eyes at Night?
While sleep itself doesn’t directly cause dry eyes, certain factors associated with sleeping can exacerbate or worsen the condition. Here are some key causes:
Incomplete Eyelid Closure (Nocturnal Lagophthalmos)
If your eyelids don’t fully close while you sleep, a condition called nocturnal lagophthalmos, your eyes can be exposed to air overnight, causing your tear film to evaporate. Since blinking stops during sleep, there’s no way to naturally re-lubricate the eye, leading to dryness by morning. This can result from anatomy, nerve issues, or sleeping positions that prevent full eyelid closure.
Sleeping in a Dry Environment
If you sleep in a room with low humidity or air conditioning, your tear film is more likely to evaporate throughout the night. Sleeping with fans blowing directly on your face can also worsen dryness by speeding up evaporation.
Sleep Deprivation & Poor Sleep Quality
Not getting enough sleep or having inconsistent sleep patterns can affect the quality of your tear production. A lack of restful sleep can lead to tired, irritated eyes, contributing to morning dryness. Inconsistent sleep also affects the body’s ability to maintain proper moisture levels, including in your eyes.
Using Digital Devices Before Bed
In the hours before bedtime, many people use smartphones, tablets, or computers. This is a double-edged sword: not only does it disrupt your sleep cycle, but staring at screens for prolonged periods reduces your blink rate, which means less tear distribution on the eyes. This, in turn, can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
At-Home Remedies for Dry Eyes
Create a Humid Environment
One of the most effective ways to combat dry eyes while sleeping is to increase the humidity in your bedroom. Using a humidifier helps maintain moisture in the air, which can reduce the evaporation of your tear film. This is especially helpful during the winter months when indoor air tends to be drier.
Reduce Screen Time Before Bed
Limit your screen time at least an hour before bedtime. This gives your eyes a chance to rest and recover from digital strain. You can also use this time to practice relaxing activities like reading a book or listening to calming music.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Proper hydration helps maintain moisture levels in your body, including in your eyes.
Use Warm Compresses
Applying a warm compress to your closed eyelids can help stimulate oil production in the meibomian glands, which helps maintain the tear film’s oil layer. This reduces evaporation and improves eye lubrication.
Use Preservative-Free Eye Drops
Preservative-free artificial tears can provide moisture and relief from dry eyes. Applying them before bed can help keep your eyes moist during sleep. Look for drops that mimic the natural composition of tears for the best results.
Professional Dry Eye Therapies
In cases of more severe dry eyes, in-office treatments may be necessary. Your optometrist may recommend the following:
- Meibomian gland expression: This treatment involves gently massaging the eyelids to clear blockages in the oil-producing glands, improving the quality of your tear film.
- Radiofrequency (RF) or intense pulsed light (IPL): Two noninvasive therapies that use light and heat to reduce inflammation and improve oil gland function, enhancing tear quality.
- LipiFlow: A device that applies controlled heat and pressure to the eyelids to relieve blockages in the meibomian glands, improving tear production.
- BlephEx: A gentle eyelid cleaning procedure that removes debris and biofilm from the eyelid margins, improving eye comfort and reducing inflammation.
- ZEST (Zocular Evaporative Dry Eye Therapy): A therapeutic system that uses a combination of heat and gentle cleaning to clear clogged oil glands, reducing evaporative dry eye symptoms.
Schedule a Dry Eye Consultation Today
If you experience persistent dry eyes despite trying at-home remedies, it’s important to consult an optometrist. A thorough examination can help identify the root cause of your dry eyes, and your optometrist can recommend a personalized treatment plan. At Southwood Eyecare, we’re here to assist you in finding a solution for your dry eye symptoms. Book an appointment today to get personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your needs. Let us help you maintain better eye health and comfort!
