Have you ever woken up after a full night’s sleep only to experience dry, irritated eyes? This can be a frustrating—and common—experience. But what’s causing your eyes to feel so dry when you wake up? There are a few potential causes of dry eyes in the morning. Common reasons include:
- Environmental factors like allergies, a lack of humidity, or sleeping with air flowing directly on your face.
- Sleep conditions like lagophthalmos and sleep apnea can lead to our eyes drying out while we sleep.
- Medical conditions like blepharitis and Sjögren’s syndrome, or even certain medications can lead to dry eyes.
- Certain lifestyle habits like not drinking enough water, too much screen time before sleeping, or wearing contact lenses while sleeping might lead to dry, irritated eyes in the morning.
Common Causes of Morning Dry Eyes
Several factors can contribute to waking up with dry, irritated eyes. Here are some of the most common causes to consider:
Environmental Factors
- Dry air: A lack of humidity in your sleeping environment can worsen eye dryness. Dry air makes it harder for your eyes to retain moisture, leading to discomfort throughout the night. This is particularly common in spaces with air conditioning or heating running.
- Airflow: Sleeping near a fan or air vent can accelerate tear evaporation. If you sleep directly in the path of airflow, it’s more likely that your natural moisture barrier will dry out during the night.
- Seasonal allergies: Allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander can inflame your eyes, contributing to dryness as you sleep. If you wake up with itchy or watery eyes, allergens could be the culprit.
Sleep-Related Issues
- Incomplete eyelid closure (Lagophthalmos): Some people sleep with their eyes not fully closed, a condition called nocturnal lagophthalmos. This can leave the surface of the eye exposed, leading to irritation and increased dryness.
- Sleep apnea: Sleep disorders like apnea not only interfere with breathing but also with blood oxygen levels, which may impact eye health. Fatigue from disrupted sleep can heighten eye strain and dryness.
Medical Conditions & Medications
- Health conditions: Dry eye may stem from underlying issues such as blepharitis or Sjögren’s syndrome. Proper diagnosis is key to managing these conditions effectively.
- Medications: Many medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, or decongestants, list dry eye as a side effect. If you suspect that this might be the cause of your dry eye, consult your healthcare provider about alternatives or adjustments.
Lifestyle Habits
- Screen time: Staring at screens before bedtime can lead to digital eye strain. This can decrease eye lubrication and leave your eyes feeling parched come morning.
- Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses for too long, especially overnight, can worsen dryness and discomfort. Using lenses responsibly is vital for maintaining eye health.
- Hydration and nutrition: Not drinking enough water throughout the day or lacking proper nutrients can significantly reduce tear production. Your hydration levels and diet play a bigger role in eye health than you might think.
How to Relieve Dry Eyes in the Morning
The good news? Morning dry eye symptoms can be managed with intentional steps and a few simple changes to your routine. Here are some practical at-home solutions to try:
Enhance Your Sleep Environment
- Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air in your room can help your eyes retain hydration throughout the night. This is extra helpful during cold months when heating systems dry out the air.
- Redirect airflow: Adjust fans or vents to prevent air from blowing directly on your face while you sleep. Or, consider sleeping without the fan on entirely.
Adjust Your Nighttime Routine
- Apply artificial tears or ointments: Lubricating your eyes before bed with preservative-free artificial tears can provide much-needed moisture through the night.
- Try a sleep mask: A sleep mask is not only great for keeping light out but can also help maintain moisture and keep your eyes protected. Specialized moisture-sealing sleep masks are ideal for individuals with nocturnal lagophthalmos or severe dryness.
Take Care of Your Eyes
- Warm compresses: Using a warm compress can stimulate tear glands and reduce inflammation. Simply soak a clean washcloth in warm water and rest it gently on your closed eyes for a few minutes.
- Practice eyelid hygiene: Cleaning your eyelids with a mild cleanser or an eyelid scrub reduces irritants that can contribute to dryness.
- Limit screen time: Aim to cut screen exposure an hour or two before bed. If this isn’t feasible, follow the 20-20-20 rule to prevent eye strain: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Lifestyle Tweaks
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your overall hydration and tear production.
- Avoid sleeping in contacts: Always remove your lenses before bed.
When to Seek Professional Help for Dry Eyes
While at-home remedies help many people, persistent or severe dry eye symptoms may require professional evaluation and treatment. If you’ve tried at-home remedies and you’re still struggling, it’s time to consult an eye care specialist.
At Eyedeal Eyecare, we understand that living with dry eyes can be uncomfortable. We offer personalized dry eye treatment options that go beyond temporary solutions. From OptiLight to eyelid cleanings, we’re here to help you find dry eye relief. Schedule your appointment today to get customized dry eye help!
