If you wear contact lenses, you may have wondered: Can you sleep in contact lenses? The short answer is: generally, no, unless your eye-care professional has specifically prescribed lenses that are approved for overnight wear.
Sleeping in contact lenses can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your eyes and may increase the risk of eye irritation, dryness, and contact-lens-related eye infections. That is why following your lens-wearing schedule and practicing good contact lens hygiene is essential.
At Krystal Vision, a premium Canadian contact lens brand, we believe comfortable vision starts with responsible lens care. Here’s what you should know before deciding whether to sleep in your contacts.
Is It Safe to Sleep in Contact Lenses?
For most contact lens wearers, sleeping in contact lenses is not recommended.
When your eyes are closed during sleep, less oxygen reaches the surface of your eyes. Wearing contact lenses at the same time can further reduce oxygen availability. This can create an environment where irritation and other complications are more likely.
Some specialized contact lenses are designed and approved for overnight or extended wear. However, you should only sleep in these lenses if your eye-care professional has confirmed that they are suitable for you and has provided the appropriate wearing schedule.
What Happens If You Sleep With Contact Lenses?
Accidentally falling asleep in your contact lenses does not necessarily mean you will develop a problem, but it can increase the risk of complications.
You may experience:
- Dry or uncomfortable eyes
- Redness
- Eye irritation
- Blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- A higher risk of contact-lens-related eye infections
If you wake up after sleeping in your lenses and your eyes feel dry or uncomfortable, avoid immediately putting another pair of lenses in. Give your eyes a break and follow the care instructions provided by your eye-care professional.
Why Is Sleeping in Contacts Risky?
The surface of your eye needs oxygen to remain healthy. Contact lenses sit directly on the cornea and can affect the amount of oxygen reaching it.
During sleep, your eyelids are closed, naturally limiting oxygen exposure. Wearing contact lenses overnight can make this situation more challenging for your eyes.
Another concern is that contact lenses can create a surface where microorganisms may remain close to the eye. Proper cleaning, replacement, and wearing practices are therefore important parts of contact lens care.
What Should You Do If You Accidentally Sleep in Your Contacts?
If you accidentally fall asleep while wearing contact lenses, don’t panic.
When you wake up:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
- If the lenses feel stuck or your eyes feel dry, don’t force the lenses out.
- Use appropriate contact-lens rewetting drops if recommended for your lenses.
- Remove the lenses gently when they become comfortable to remove.
- Give your eyes a break before wearing another pair.
If you experience significant pain, persistent redness, worsening discomfort, unusual discharge, light sensitivity, or changes in vision, contact an eye-care professional promptly.
Can You Take a Nap While Wearing Contact Lenses?
It is generally better to remove your contact lenses before taking a nap, unless your eye-care professional has specifically approved your lenses for sleeping or extended wear.
Even a short nap can mean wearing your lenses while your eyes are closed, so it’s best to follow the recommended wearing schedule rather than assuming a quick nap is harmless.
How Can You Wear Contact Lenses More Safely?
Good contact lens habits can help support comfortable and healthy lens wear.
1. Wash Your Hands Before Handling Lenses
Always wash and dry your hands before putting in or removing your contact lenses.
2. Follow the Recommended Wearing Schedule
Do not wear your lenses for longer than the recommended period. If your lenses are designed for daily wear, remove them before sleeping.
3. Replace Your Lenses on Schedule
Whether you use daily, biweekly, or monthly lenses, replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions and your eye-care professional’s recommendations.
4. Use the Correct Contact Lens Solution
If your lenses require cleaning and storage, use the recommended contact lens solution. Avoid using tap water or saliva to clean your lenses.
5. Never Share Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are personal medical devices and should never be shared with another person.
6. Pay Attention to Your Eyes
If your eyes become unusually red, painful, irritated, or sensitive to light, remove your lenses and seek professional advice when appropriate.
Can You Sleep in Daily Disposable Contact Lenses?
No. Daily disposable contact lenses are designed to be worn for the recommended daily period and then discarded.
They should not be cleaned and reused or intentionally worn overnight. If you are looking for lenses that can be worn overnight, speak with an eye-care professional about whether an approved extended-wear option is appropriate for you.
Are Extended-Wear Contact Lenses Different?
Yes. Some contact lenses are specifically designed and approved for extended or overnight wear.
However, “approved for overnight wear” does not mean everyone should sleep in them. Your eye-care professional can determine whether a particular lens and wearing schedule are suitable for your eyes.
Always follow the instructions provided for your specific lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sleep in contact lenses?
For most contact lenses, no. You should remove your lenses before sleeping unless your eye-care professional has specifically prescribed an approved extended-wear lens and schedule.
What should I do if I accidentally sleep in my contacts?
Wash and dry your hands, allow your eyes to become comfortable, and remove the lenses gently. If you develop pain, persistent redness, unusual discharge, light sensitivity, or vision changes, seek professional eye-care advice.
Can you take a 20-minute nap with contacts?
It is generally safer to remove your contact lenses before napping. Follow the wearing instructions for your specific lenses.
Can sleeping in contacts cause an eye infection?
Sleeping in contact lenses can increase the risk of contact-lens-related eye infections. The risk depends on factors such as lens type, wearing schedule, hygiene, and individual eye health.
How long can you safely wear contact lenses?
The safe wearing time depends on the specific lens and your individual eyes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the wearing schedule recommended by your eye-care professional.
Are monthly contact lenses safe to sleep in?
Not necessarily. “Monthly” refers to the replacement schedule, not automatically to overnight wear. A monthly lens should only be worn overnight if it is specifically approved for extended wear and your eye-care professional has recommended that schedule.
The Bottom Line
Can you sleep in contact lenses? For most people, the answer is no. Removing your contact lenses before sleeping is an important part of responsible contact lens care.
If you accidentally sleep in your lenses, remove them carefully when comfortable and monitor your eyes for unusual symptoms. For ongoing questions about overnight wear, lens replacement, or choosing the right contact lenses, consult your eye-care professional.
With the right lens, proper hygiene, and a responsible wearing routine, you can make contact lens wear a more comfortable part of your everyday life.
Krystal Vision — premium Canadian contact lens solutions designed with vision, comfort, and everyday eye care in mind.
