People that sleep with their eyes open: 2024 Causes Explained

People that sleep with their eyes open may be surprised to learn about this common condition. Known as nocturnal lagophthalmos, it affects approximately 1 in 20 people and can lead to various eye and sleep-related issues.

Here’s a quick rundown for those just seeking an immediate answer:

• Primary keyword: Nocturnal lagophthalmos
• Key symptoms: Dry eyes, irritation, blurry vision, red eyes
• Main causes: Facial nerve disorders, muscle weakness, eye structure anomalies

People close their eyes for a reason—protection and lubrication of the eyes, as well as blocking light to promote restful sleep. When you can’t fully close your eyes during sleep, it can lead to dryness, discomfort, and even more severe complications like keratitis or corneal ulcers over time. Besides impacting your eye health, nocturnal lagophthalmos can significantly disturb your sleep quality.

I’m Ben Trapskin, a sleep expert with a keen interest in understanding and improving people’s rest. My journey began by tackling my own sleep issues, and I’ve since dedicated myself to helping others, focusing on conditions like people that sleep with their eyes open. Let’s dive deeper into the topic.

Key terms for People that sleep with their eyes open:

• Sleep Paralysis Demon
• Somnolence
• What Is Sleep Opportunity and How is it calculated?

What is Nocturnal Lagophthalmos?

Nocturnal lagophthalmos is a condition where people sleep with their eyes partially or completely open. This may sound unusual, but it’s more common than you might think—affecting about 1 in 20 people.

Symptoms of Sleeping with Eyes Open

When you can’t fully close your eyes during sleep, several symptoms can arise. These symptoms often appear in the morning and may improve throughout the day. Let’s take a closer look:

• Dry Eyes: The most common symptom. Without the protective cover of the eyelids, the eyes can dry out quickly.
• Irritation: Many people feel a persistent irritation or a gritty sensation in their eyes.
• Blurry Vision: Often, vision can be blurry upon waking due to dryness and irritation.
• Sensitivity to Light: Light entering through partially open eyes can cause discomfort and even awaken you during the night.
• Red Eyes: Lack of lubrication can lead to redness and visible blood vessels in the eyes.
• Feeling of Something in the Eye: This sensation is often due to dryness and irritation.

Real-Life Impact

Imagine waking up every morning with sore, red eyes that feel like they have sand in them. This is a daily reality for people with nocturnal lagophthalmos. Over time, if left untreated, the condition can lead to more severe issues like keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) and even corneal ulcers.

According to a study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, those with nocturnal lagophthalmos often experience poor sleep quality due to discomfort and light entering their eyes during the night.

Understanding the symptoms is crucial for recognizing and addressing this condition. If you notice persistent dry eyes, irritation, or other symptoms, it may be time to seek medical advice.

Next, let’s explore the causes of sleeping with your eyes open.

Causes of Sleeping with Eyes Open

Medical Conditions

Nocturnal lagophthalmos can often be traced back to various medical conditions affecting the facial nerves and muscles. These issues make it hard for the eyelids to close completely. Here are some key conditions that can lead to this problem:

• Bell’s Palsy: This condition causes sudden weakness in the facial muscles, making it difficult to close the eyes.
• Stroke: A stroke can damage the parts of the brain that control facial muscles, leading to nocturnal lagophthalmos.
• Graves’ Disease: This autoimmune disorder can cause the eyes to bulge (exophthalmos), making it hard to close them fully.
• Moebius Syndrome: A rare neurological condition affecting facial muscles and eye movement.
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome: An autoimmune disease that attacks the nerves, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.

Infections

Infections can also affect the facial nerves and muscles, causing people to sleep with their eyes open. While less common, these infections can still be serious:

• Lyme Disease: Caused by tick bites, this disease can affect nerves and muscles.
• Mumps: A viral infection that can lead to facial nerve issues.
• Chickenpox: Can cause complications affecting the facial nerves.
• Polio: A viral infection that can lead to paralysis, including facial muscles.
• Leprosy: This bacterial infection can damage nerves, leading to muscle weakness.
• Diphtheria: Another bacterial infection that can affect nerves.
• Botulism: A rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that leads to muscle paralysis.

Anatomical Causes

Some people have anatomical differences that make it hard to close their eyes completely:

• Exophthalmos: Often caused by Graves’ disease, this condition makes the eyes bulge, making it difficult for the eyelids to cover them fully.
• Congenital Conditions: Some people are born with facial structures that make it hard to close their eyes.
• Thick Eyelashes: While rare, very thick upper or lower eyelashes can prevent the eyelids from closing completely.
• Cosmetic Procedures: Surgeries like eyelid-tightening or Botox injections can sometimes affect eyelid closure.

Behavioral Causes

Certain behaviors and lifestyle choices can also contribute to sleeping with your eyes open:

• Heavy Alcohol Ingestion: Alcohol can relax the muscles too much, making it hard to close the eyes.
• Sedatives: Medications that relax the muscles can also affect the eyelids.
• Sleeping Pills: Some sleeping aids can cause the muscles to relax too much, leading to nocturnal lagophthalmos.

Understanding these causes can help you identify why you or someone you know might be sleeping with their eyes open. If you suspect any of these issues, consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

How to Diagnose Nocturnal Lagophthalmos

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnosing nocturnal lagophthalmos involves a series of steps and tests to understand the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here’s a breakdown:

Eye Exams

A doctor will first perform a comprehensive eye exam. This helps to identify any signs of dryness, irritation, or other eye damage that might be caused by sleeping with your eyes open.

Family Observations

Sometimes, family members or partners may notice that a person sleeps with their eyes open. This information can be crucial for diagnosis, as the person with nocturnal lagophthalmos may not be aware of the issue.

Medical History

A detailed medical history is essential. The doctor will ask about any existing medical conditions, previous surgeries, or injuries that could affect the facial nerves or muscles. This can help pinpoint the root cause of the nocturnal lagophthalmos.

Slit Lamp Exam

A slit lamp exam uses a low-power microscope to closely examine the structures of the eye. This test can reveal abnormalities in the cornea, eyelids, and other parts of the eye that may contribute to or result from nocturnal lagophthalmos.

Fluorescein Eye Stain Test

In this test, a special dye called fluorescein is applied to the eye. Under a blue light, this dye highlights any damage to the cornea, such as scratches or ulcers, which might be caused by the eyes being open during sleep.

Measuring Eyelid Space

Doctors may measure the space between the upper and lower eyelids when the eyes are closed. This helps determine if the eyelids can fully close or if there is a gap that leaves the eyes exposed.

Measuring Blinking Force

The force and completeness of blinking are also assessed. Weak or incomplete blinking can indicate issues with the facial muscles or nerves that control eyelid movement.

Special Assessments

Based on the initial findings, the doctor might recommend additional assessments. These could include consulting specialists, such as a neurologist for nerve issues or an endocrinologist for thyroid problems.

Getting a proper diagnosis is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan. If you suspect you might have nocturnal lagophthalmos, consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation.

Treatment Options for People That Sleep with Their Eyes Open

Non-Surgical Treatments

For people that sleep with their eyes open, there are several non-surgical treatments available to help protect the eyes and improve sleep quality.

Eye Wetting Drops and Ointments

Using artificial tears or lubricating eye ointments can help keep the eyes moist. These products are often used before bedtime to prevent dryness and irritation.

Moisture Goggles and Eye Masks

Moisture goggles and eye masks can be worn at night to help keep the eyes hydrated. These devices create a humid environment around the eyes, reducing the risk of dryness.

Humidifiers

Placing a humidifier in the bedroom can add moisture to the air, which helps prevent the eyes from drying out during sleep.

Eyelid Weights and Medical Tape

Eyelid weights can be attached to the outside of the upper eyelids to help them stay closed. Medical tape can also be used to gently tape the eyelids shut. Always consult a doctor for the best method to use these options safely.

Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle changes can also make a big difference. Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime can help improve eyelid function. Additionally, practicing good sleep hygiene by maintaining a dark, quiet, and cool sleeping environment can improve overall sleep quality.

Surgical Treatments

In more severe cases, surgical treatments may be necessary to help people that sleep with their eyes open.

Eyelid Weights

For a more permanent solution, gold weights can be surgically implanted inside the upper eyelids. These weights use gravity to help the eyelids close completely. This procedure is quite effective and is compatible with the body.

Gold Surgical Implants

Another surgical option involves inserting a gold implant into the eyelid. Surgeons create a small pocket above the lashes to place the implant, which helps the eyelid to close fully. This method is usually recommended for more severe cases.

Eyelid Expansion Surgery

Eyelid expansion surgery is another option. This procedure involves adjusting the muscles and tissues around the eyelids to ensure they can close properly. It’s generally reserved for cases where other treatments have not been effective.

Each treatment option has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.

Potential Complications if Left Untreated

If people that sleep with their eyes open do not receive proper treatment, several complications can arise. These issues can significantly impact eye health and overall well-being.

Dry Eyes

One of the most common problems is dry eyes. When the eyes are not fully closed during sleep, they can’t stay properly lubricated. This dryness can cause discomfort, irritation, and a gritty feeling in the eyes. Over time, chronic dryness can lead to more severe issues.

Eye Infections

Without enough lubrication, the eyes become more vulnerable to infections. Bacteria and other pathogens can easily enter the eye, leading to conditions like conjunctivitis. Infections can cause redness, pain, and discharge, complicating the situation further.

Corneal Ulcers

Another serious complication is the development of corneal ulcers. These are open sores on the cornea, the clear front layer of the eye. Corneal ulcers can be extremely painful and may result in blurred vision. If not treated promptly, they can lead to permanent scarring.

Vision Loss

In severe cases, untreated nocturnal lagophthalmos can result in vision loss. Continuous exposure to air and lack of moisture can damage the cornea and other eye structures. Over time, this damage can impair vision, making it difficult to see clearly.

Exposure Keratopathy

Exposure keratopathy is a condition where the cornea becomes damaged due to prolonged exposure to air. This can happen when the eyes are not fully closed during sleep. Symptoms include redness, pain, and a foreign body sensation in the eye. If left untreated, exposure keratopathy can lead to serious complications, including vision loss.

It’s crucial to address nocturnal lagophthalmos early to avoid these complications. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help maintain eye health and improve sleep quality.

Frequently Asked Questions about People That Sleep with Their Eyes Open

What does it mean when someone sleeps with their eyes open?

When someone sleeps with their eyes open, it typically means they have a condition called nocturnal lagophthalmos. This condition is often tied to issues with the orbicularis oculi, the muscle responsible for closing the eyelids. When this muscle is weak or paralyzed, it can’t fully close the eyes. This paralysis can stem from various facial nerve conditions such as Bell’s palsy, stroke, or even trauma.

Is it rare for people to sleep with their eyes open?

No, it’s not as rare as you might think. About 5% of adults experience nocturnal lagophthalmos to some degree. This means that a small but significant portion of the population sleeps with their eyes partially or fully open. The prevalence can be higher in specific groups, such as older adults or those with certain medical conditions.

How to fix sleeping with your eyes open?

Treating nocturnal lagophthalmos involves several strategies, depending on the severity and underlying cause.

Non-Surgical Treatments:

• Eye Drops and Ointments: These help keep the eyes lubricated.
• Moisture Goggles and Eye Masks: These can provide a humid environment for the eyes.
• Medical Tape: Hypoallergenic tape can be used to keep the eyelids shut during sleep.
• Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, using a humidifier, and ensuring the sleeping environment is optimal can help.

Surgical Treatments:

• Eyelid Weights: Tiny gold weights can be surgically implanted into the eyelids to help them close.
• Eyelid Expansion Surgery: This procedure can adjust the eyelids to ensure they close fully.

Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial. If you suspect you have nocturnal lagophthalmos, consult your doctor to discuss the best course of action.

Conclusion

At Yawnder, we believe that understanding and addressing sleep disorders like nocturnal lagophthalmos is crucial for maintaining overall eye health and improving sleep quality. If left untreated, this condition can lead to severe complications such as dry eyes, infections, and even vision loss.

Eye health is something we should never take lightly. If you suspect you or someone you know sleeps with their eyes open, seek medical advice promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage and ensure you get the restful sleep you need.

Prioritizing treatment is not just about closing your eyelids fully at night; it’s about protecting your eyes from dryness, irritation, and potential infections. Simple, non-surgical treatments like eye drops, ointments, and moisture goggles can make a significant difference. In more severe cases, surgical options like eyelid weights or eyelid expansion surgery may be necessary.

Good sleep hygiene and a supportive sleep environment are also vital. Consider using a humidifier, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, and ensuring your room is dark and comfortable for optimal sleep.

If you’re struggling with sleep issues, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional or a sleep specialist. They can help identify the underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatments. For more information on how to improve your sleep quality, check out our Sleep Number Beds to find the perfect mattress for your needs.

By taking these steps, you can protect your eye health and enjoy the benefits of a good night’s rest. Your eyes—and your overall well-being—will thank you.