Napping with your contacts in might seem harmless, especially when you're just too cozy to bother taking them out. But let’s be real—your eyes aren’t fans of this habit. Even a quick snooze can set the stage for irritation, infections, or worse. So before you crash on the couch with your lenses still in, let’s break down why this is a bad idea and what you should do if you accidentally doze off.
The Risks of Sleeping in Contacts
Your eyes need oxygen to stay healthy, and contact lenses—no matter how breathable they claim to be—still act like tiny plastic barriers. When you sleep, your eyelids shut off even more airflow, turning your peepers into a breeding ground for bacteria. Dr. Margaret Liu, an ophthalmologist, explains that this lack of oxygen can lead to inflammation, infections, and even corneal ulcers (yes, those are as nasty as they sound). Plus, debris and proteins build up on the lenses, making your eyes feel like they’ve been rubbed with sandpaper when you wake up. Not exactly the refreshing nap experience you were hoping for.
Short Nap vs. All-Night Slumber
Okay, so maybe you’ve dozed off for 20 minutes with your contacts in before. Does that mean you’re doomed? Not necessarily, but it’s still risky. Dr. Ora Esfahani, an optometrist, says shorter naps are less dangerous than full-on sleep sessions, but they’re not risk-free. The longer your lenses stay in, the drier they get, which can lead to discomfort, scratches, or even infections. Think of it like leaving a sponge out in the sun—it’s gonna dry up and get crusty. Your contacts do the same thing, except they’re sitting on your eyeballs. Yikes.
Daily vs. Extended-Wear Contacts
Some lenses are marketed as "safe for overnight wear," but that doesn’t mean they’re foolproof. Dr. Sujay Kansagra, a sleep specialist, points out that even FDA-approved extended-wear lenses come with risks. Daily disposables? Definitely not designed for napping. They’re thinner and less durable, meaning they’re more likely to dry out or trap bacteria. Extended-wear lenses might hold up better, but they still reduce oxygen flow, making infections more likely. Basically, no contact lens is truly nap-proof—just because you can sleep in them doesn’t mean you should.
What to Do If You Wake Up With Contacts In
Oops, you fell asleep with your lenses in. Now what? First, don’t panic—but don’t just yank them out, either. Dry eyes + forceful removal = a recipe for scratches. Dr. Kansagra suggests using rewetting drops to rehydrate your eyes before gently taking the lenses out. Then, give your eyes a break for the rest of the day—rock those glasses and let your corneas breathe. If your eyes feel irritated, red, or painful, skip the DIY fixes and see an eye doc ASAP. Infections can escalate fast, and nobody wants to deal with a corneal ulcer because of a lazy Sunday nap.
At the end of the day, the safest move is to take your contacts out before even thinking about napping. Your future self—and your eyeballs—will thank you.
