Can You Sleep with Contacts In? Everything You Need to Know for a Safe, Comfortable Night

Falling asleep unexpectedly happens to everyone at one time or another. One minute you’re scrolling through your phone, eyes heavy, and the next…you’re out cold. But then you wake up in the morning with irritated eyes and a nagging question on your mind: “Is it okay to sleep with contacts in?”

Let’s break down why exactly eye care professionals usually advise against sleeping with contact lenses. We’ll also take a look at what the risks are, and how you can create a sleep environment that leaves you feeling rested—without jeopardizing or hurting your eyes.

Why Is Sleeping with Contact Lenses Risky?

Sleeping in your contact lenses might seem harmless after a long day, but this overnight habit can set the stage for several eye health issues. Below, we explore the main reasons why drifting off in your lenses can lead to everything from dryness and irritation to severe infections and corneal damage.

Below, let’s explore exactly why it is bad to sleep with contacts in.

Reduced Oxygen Supply to the Eye

Your eyes rely on a steady oxygen supply to stay healthy. When you’re awake and blinking, your tears help to keep your eyes moist and free of debris.

Sleeping with contact lenses restricts oxygen and can cause dryness or even corneal damage.

When you remove contacts, it gives your eyes a breather, but if you leave them in overnight, your cornea has to function with limited oxygen, raising the risk of complications.

Eye Infections and Bacterial Growth

Another reason why you shouldn’t sleep in contacts is because this gives bacteria and other pathogens time to multiply unchecked. Contacts can trap bacteria, and without proper cleaning or removal, these germs thrive in the warm, moist environment. This can lead to everything from mild irritation to serious infections like microbial keratitis.

Corneal Abrasions or Ulcers

When your eyes are closed, the contact lens can shift and rub against your cornea. Over time, that friction, combined with dryness, can lead to microscopic tears or even more severe issues like corneal ulcers. These conditions can be painful and require immediate medical intervention.

What Happens If You Sleep with Contacts In for One Night?

You might be wondering, “Is it ok to sleep in contacts for one night?”. Sometimes, people doze off wearing lenses and wake up with slightly irritated eyes that feel better after removing the contacts and giving them a good rinse

However, doctors stress that even a single incident of sleeping with contact lenses can affect your eye health. What happens if you sleep with contacts in for one night? Here’s a snapshot:

• Dryness and Redness: You could wake up feeling like sand is in your eyes.
• Mild Blurriness: Reduced tear circulation can cause temporary blurred vision.
• Greater Infection Risk: Every instance of sleeping with contact lenses overnight increases your risk of developing an infection.

The bottom line? While one night might not lead to immediate eye issues, repeated incidents stack up the risks.

Can You Sleep with Colored Contacts in Your Eyes?

So, can you sleep with colored contacts in your eyes? The short answer is no. If standard contact lenses are already risky to sleep in, colored contacts—often not intended for extended wear and made of less breathable material —pose an even higher risk of depriving your corneas of oxygen and increasing irritation.

Are There Contacts Approved for Overnight Use?

You might have seen or heard about “extended-wear” or “overnight” lenses that some people use for days or weeks at a time. While there are specific contact lenses marketed as safe to sleep in, eye care professionals still urge caution. These specialized lenses are designed with higher oxygen permeability, so why shouldn’t you sleep these in contacts regularly?

Even these advanced lenses increase infection risk compared to removing them each night. If you’re considering extended-wear contacts, talk with an optometrist to see if they’re the right match for your eye health, and be sure to follow all recommended guidelines.

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Tips to Avoid Falling Asleep with Contact Lenses In

Try these practical tips to help you build a healthy habit of removing your lenses before falling asleep:

Set a Reminder

A simple phone alert at bedtime can remind you to remove and clean your lenses.

Create a Cleaning Station

Keep your lens case, solution, and possibly spare glasses on your bedside table. That way, you’ll see them just before you sleep, making it easier to remember.

Plan for Late Nights

If you know you’ll be out late or might doze off unexpectedly, wear glasses or bring your lens case and solution with you.

Give Your Eyes a Break

Even if you love the convenience of contacts, try to wear glasses for part of the day to reduce the chance of dryness and irritation.

Getting Better Rest (Without Harming Your Eyes)

Quality sleep isn’t just about getting some shuteye! If you’re aiming for deeper, more restorative rest, consider optimizing your bedtime environment:

• Limit Screen Time: The blue light from devices can trick your brain into thinking it’s daytime, affecting melatonin production. Studies suggest giving your eyes a break every 20 minutes.
• Keep the Room Cool and Dark: A comfortable sleeping temperature (typically around 65°F) and low light help you drift off faster.
• Use a Weighted Blanket, Like the Napper: While the weighted blanket won’t prevent you from falling asleep with contact lenses in, it does create a soothing sense of pressure that may help reduce stress and promote deeper sleep. A calmer mindset could also help you remember your pre-bed routine—like removing your lenses!
• Stick to a Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your internal clock, making sleep more predictable and less erratic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sleep with contacts in if they’re monthly disposables?

Even if your lenses are labeled for monthly use, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe to sleep in. Monthly refers to overall wear time, not continuous wear. Always check with your eye care professional if a specific contact lens is suitable for overnight wear.

Could napping briefly in my contacts harm my eyes?

Any time you close your eyes with lenses in, there’s some level of risk. A 20-minute nap might be less risky than sleeping overnight, but it still elevates the chance of dryness and infection.

Is it ok to sleep in contacts for one night if I’m really tired?

Eye doctors generally say no, because even one night can trigger infections. If you absolutely must, remove them as soon as you wake up, and keep an eye out for irritation or blurred vision.

Why is it bad to sleep with contacts in regularly?

Regular overnight lens wear can deprive the eyes of oxygen, leading to dryness, corneal damage, and possible infections over time.

What if I’ve slept in my contacts before and had no issues?

Keep in mind that continual exposure could lead to future complications

Conclusion

Protect Your Vision and Sleep Soundly: A Final Word

So, “Can you sleep with contacts in?” The definitive professional answer is no—unless you have a specialty lens specifically approved by your doctor. And even then, it’s typically recommended to be safer to remove them to give your eyes a break.

Why shouldn’t you sleep in contacts? Because your eyes need oxygen, moisture, and freedom from bacteria buildup to stay healthy – wearing lenses overnight compromises all of these factors.

Your eyes work hard all day helping you see the world. When you’re ready to wind down at night, aim to maintain good eye hygiene, by removing your contacts and giving them a thorough clean. When you’re well-rested and properly caring for your eyes, you wake up feeling refreshed—no blurry, irritated surprises.

Looking after your eyes is well worth the extra minute or two it takes to remove your lenses before bed. Skip the potential health risks and build a simple, consistent nighttime routine that keeps your eyes and your sleep routines in top condition.