Why do some people sleep with their eyes open (causes & fixes)

Most people fall asleep, shut their eyes, and never think about it twice. Then there are those who sleep with their eyes open or partially open. It can look strange if you've never seen it. And for the person experiencing it, it often leads to irritated eyes in the morning, dryness, or that gritty feeling that makes blinking uncomfortable.

The real name for this is nocturnal lagophthalmos. It basically means the eyelids don't fully close during sleep. Some only have a small opening. Others keep one or both eyes slightly open the entire night. It's more common than people think, and once you understand why it happens, the fixes make a lot more sense.

What actually happens when the eyes don't close at night

Most people never notice their eyelids shut fully when they fall asleep. It's automatic. But some people sleep with their eyes open because the muscles responsible for closing the lids don't relax the way they should.

When this happens, the eyes can't stay moist. The tear film evaporates faster and leads to dry eyes by morning. In more severe cases, the surface of the eye becomes irritated from long exposure to dry air or direct light. Some even wake with watery eyes because the eye tries to compensate.

You don't need to figure this out alone. An eye doctor can shed light on what's happening with the eyelids and how much the eyes remain exposed when asleep.

Why do some people sleep with their eyes open

There are a few possible explanations, and they vary a lot from person to person.

1. Facial nerve issues: Sometimes the nerves that help the eyelids shut don't work as smoothly. People who've had Bell's palsy or other nerve-related conditions may notice their eyelids don't close completely, even years later.

2. Muscle-related causes: The small muscles that control blinking can weaken due to neuromuscular diseases. This makes it harder to keep the eyelids closed through the night.

3. Thyroid-related conditions: Conditions like Graves' disease can cause the eyes to protrude slightly, making it harder for the lids to fully close.

4. Congenital conditions: Some people are simply born with eyelids that don't shut all the way. They only notice it when someone points it out later in life.

5. Sleep-related behaviors: Sleep disorders sometimes influence eyelid movement. The brain stays slightly alert, and the eyelids don't relax the same way.

6. There isn't one single cause: That's why diagnosing lagophthalmos usually starts with a simple eye exam to see how the eyelids behave while blinking and resting.

What it feels like to sleep with your eyes open

Many people don't notice it at first. Then, small symptoms show up.

Dryness. Redness. A burning sensation. Sensitivity to light in the morning. Some describe it as waking with tired eyes, even though the rest of the body feels rested. If the eye stays exposed for long periods, the surface may become irritated.

In more severe cases, long-term dryness could lead to corneal ulcers or changes to vision. That's why taking it seriously matters, even if the symptoms seem mild.

Simple solutions you can try at home

A few practical steps can help people who sleep with their eyes partially open. These won't solve every case, but they can make nights more comfortable.

• Lubricating eye drops: A thicker formula before bed helps keep the eyes moist. Some use ointments for longer-lasting coverage.

• Eyelid tape or medical tape: A small piece of safe medical tape can help hold the lids closed. It sounds odd, but it's a common at-home fix for people who have a tiny lid gap at night.

• Eyelid weights: These are small weights placed on the eyelid to encourage closure. They're light enough to wear comfortably but strong enough to help the muscles relax.

• Adjusting the sleep environment: Dry air can make things worse. A humidifier can help reduce irritation caused by dryness. Softer lighting or turning away from direct light also helps people who are sensitive to brightness.

These steps usually support eye comfort, especially when the issue is mild and not tied to an underlying condition.

Why fixing it matters

Sleeping with your eyes even slightly open isn't just a quirky habit. It affects sleep quality, comfort, and eye health. The longer the eye stays unprotected at night, the more dryness and irritation build up.

Most people only need small adjustments to protect their eyes. Others need guidance from a doctor. Either way, the goal is the same: eyes that feel moist and comfortable in the morning and a night of sleep that doesn't leave your eyes working overtime.

You can also make your sleep setup feel more relaxed with simple comfort tools. Some people enjoy using a soft sleep mask to block out light and create a calmer environment while they rest. You deserve rest that feels gentle on your eyes and steady for your mind, night after night.