red eyes after waking up

Why Do I Wake Up with Red Eyes Every Morning?

Wake up, look into the mirror and find what?? Your eyes look swollen. Is this what you observed after waking up? It’s not exactly the best way to start the day. You went to sleep just fine, so why do your eyes look like you’ve barely rested?

This is actually common. many people experience redness in their eyes in the morning. Sometimes it’s just dryness, sometimes it’s allergies, or due to something, an improper sleeping position. Most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about, but it’s still important to get to know why so.

In this blog, we will explore the common reasons behind it, what you can do about it, and when you should visit the doctor.

Waking Up With Red Eyes? Here’s What It Means

If your eyes look pink and slightly red or feel swollen when you wake up, the reason behind this is that the small blood vessels in the eyes have opened up.

You can even notice these signs when your eyes lack moisture,  when your eyes are dry, or when some sharp dust particle enters your eyes and you rub roughly. 

Common Reasons For Red Eyes After Waking Up

1. Dry Air or Dehydration

If your room condition or the place where you are living has dry conditions, sometimes when you are living in an air-conditioned room,  your eyes get dry overnight.

The reason is, when you sleep, your eyes do not blink; as a result, the moisture is not maintained, which creates dryness, and dryness results in redness and puffiness of the eyes, as discussed above.

Solution: Keep a humidifier in your room, drink plenty of water, and try using medicated eye drops prescribed by an eye specialist before sleeping.

Also read: Do Eye Medications Cause Side Effects? Expert Advice From Raipur

  1. Poor Sleep or Staying Up Too Late

When you do not get enough sleep or sleep for less time, the eyes feel tired and the blood vessels in your eyes swell slightly, due to which the eye color becomes red

Solution: Do not compromise on sleeping time,  try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day. Also, if possible, avoid looking at or working on the screens late at night, and if it is too mandatory to do so, be sure to take the proper breaks in between or take a nap.

3. Wearing Contact Lenses While Sleeping

Sleeping without removing the contact lenses from the eyes, especially when they are not meant to be worn overnight, can lead to redness in the eyes, as the contact lenses do not allow the eyes to get oxygen properly.

Solution: Always remove your contacts before sleeping.

4. Allergies

Sometimes we are not aware of, but we do have allergies, like from dust, pollen, or sometimes from pets. Many people sleep with their pet, and the next morning, they find that their eyes are swollen and red.

Solution: Ensure you sleep on a clean pillow, keep the pet off the bed while sleeping, and use the anti-allergy eye drops prescribed by your doctor in case you feel irritation or redness in your eyes at a mild level.

What Happens To Your Eyes At Night

When you sleep, your eyes don’t blink, so they can get a bit dry. The oil in your eyes also reduces, and anything stuck near your lashes can bother them. If your eyes stay slightly open during sleep, the dryness increases more. All this can make your eyes look red or feel irritated in the morning

What You Can Do At Home

Here are some easy ways to calm your eyes and reduce redness that just arises after waking up in the morning:

  • Wash your face and eyes with cool water.
  • Use medicated eye drops right after waking up.
  • Apply a warm (not too warm) compress to your eyelids for a few minutes.
  • Avoid rigorously rubbing your eyes, it only makes the redness worse.
  • Drink enough water during the day.

How To Prevent Red Eyes In The Morning

  • Make sure to place a humidifier in the room if you feel dry.
  • Wash your pillowcase and bed linens often.
  • Avoid sleeping with pets on your bed.
  • Remove contact lenses before sleeping.
  • Take off all makeup before bed.
  • No to screens for at least 30 minutes before sleeping.
  • Sleep with your head slightly raised to reduce puffiness.

When Should You See A Doctor?

Occasional red eyes aren’t usually a big concern. But if you notice any of the following, it’s best to get your eyes checked:

  • Redness that comes with pain or blurred vision.
  • Yellow or green discharge.
  • Trouble keeping your eyes open.
  • Redness that doesn’t go away after a few days.
  • You wear contact lenses and have persistent discomfort

An eye exam can help find out if there’s an issue that needs medical attention.

Conclusion

If you have been getting up with redness in your eyes, chances are it is something usual, like dryness, tiredness, or a common allergy. These are commonly treatable at home. But if it’s a story of everyday life, with discomfort too, then ignorance is not acceptable. Getting your eyes checked can help you to get to know the real problem and its solution which safeguards your vision and maintains your eye health in the long run.