Can You Nap In Contact Lenses?

There’s nothing quite like an afternoon siesta. However, if you wear contact lenses, you might be wondering: Can you nap while wearing contact lenses? The answer is no—napping in your lenses can harm your eye health and put your vision at risk. Even a short rest can cause discomfort, dryness, and increase your chances of developing infections.

At Total Vision Riverside, we’re passionate about helping you care for your eyes. Whether you’re new to contact lenses or a longtime wearer, understanding how to wear your lenses safely is critical to protecting your vision and avoiding complications.

What Happens When You Sleep in Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eye (the cornea), but still allow some oxygen through. However, when you sleep with your contacts on, this reduces your eyes’ access to oxygen—which can pose problems over time.

Moreover, when you’re awake and blinking, your tears help keep your eyes hydrated and your lenses comfortable. However, during sleep—even if you’re just napping—your eyes produce fewer tears. This lack of tears causes your eyes to dry out more quickly and may result in your lenses trapping bacteria and debris. 

The result? Your eyes may feel dry, irritated, or blurry when you wake up, even after a short rest. If this happens frequently, it can lead to more severe issues, such as:

1. Eye Infections: Sleeping in contacts increases your risk of bacterial and fungal infections, such as keratitis, which can damage your cornea.
2. Corneal Hypoxia: Lack of oxygen can cause swelling, inflammation, and tiny breaks in your cornea, making it more susceptible to infection.
3. Dry Eyes: Reduced tear production during sleep can cause your lenses to dry out, leaving your eyes feeling gritty and uncomfortable.

Even if you’re only napping for 20 minutes, dry eyes plus contact lenses can start to deprive your eyes of oxygen. Over time, repeated exposure to these risks can impact your eye health.

Why Is Sleeping in Contacts Risky?

Napping or sleeping in contact lenses is a leading cause of eye infections, particularly for people who wear extended-wear or daily lenses. One of the most common such infections is microbial keratitis, which occurs when bacteria infiltrate the cornea. Left untreated, this condition can cause pain, light sensitivity, and—in severe cases—vision loss.

What Makes Sleeping in Lenses Risky?

• Reduced Oxygen Supply: Contact lenses block oxygen from reaching the cornea, and this effect is worsened when your eyes are closed during sleep.
• Increased Bacteria: Trapped debris, bacteria, and tears can create a breeding ground for microorganisms.
• Corneal Damage: Lack of oxygen weakens the corneal surface, making it easier for bacteria to penetrate and cause infection.

If you wear contact lenses, taking them out before naps or bedtime gives your eyes time to recover and stay healthy.

What If You Accidentally Nap in Contact Lenses?

It happens—sometimes you might unintentionally doze off with your lenses in. If you wake up and realize you’ve napped with contacts, here’s what to do:

1. Hydrate Your Eyes: Use sterile saline solution or rewetting drops to moisten your eyes before attempting to remove the lenses. Your lenses may feel stuck or dry after sleeping, so never force them out.
2. Remove Your Lenses Carefully: Once your eyes feel hydrated, gently remove the lenses to avoid scratching your cornea.
3. Take a Break: Give your eyes time to recover by going without contacts for the rest of the day, if possible.
4. Disinfect or Replace: If you use reusable lenses, disinfect them thoroughly before wearing them again. For daily disposables, discard the lenses and use a fresh pair.
5. Monitor for Symptoms: If you experience redness, pain, sensitivity to light, or blurry vision, contact your optometrist right away to schedule an exam.

Safer Habits for Contact Lens Wearers

Proper care and usage of contact lenses can help you avoid complications and enjoy clear, comfortable vision. Here are some tips for developing healthy habits:

• Never Sleep in Contacts: Always remove your lenses before naps or bedtime, unless you’re using lenses specifically designed for overnight wear.
• Wash Your Hands: Clean your hands with soap and water before handling lenses to avoid transferring bacteria.
• Follow Replacement Schedules: Use lenses as directed—daily lenses should be discarded after one use, while monthly lenses require regular cleaning.
• Keep Lenses Clean: Use a fresh solution to clean and store reusable lenses every day. Avoid water or saliva, as these can introduce harmful microorganisms.
• Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Annual eye exams help monitor your eye health and ensure your contact lenses fit properly.

For expert guidance on contact lens care, speak with one of our optometrists.

Are There Lenses Safe for Sleeping?

If you find yourself frequently napping in your lenses, you might consider lenses approved for overnight wear. Extended-wear contact lenses are made with highly breathable materials that allow more oxygen to reach your eyes during sleep. However, even these lenses may carry risks, and they’re not suitable for everyone.

Before switching to overnight lenses, consult with one of our optometrists to determine if they’re right for you. We’ll assess your eye health and recommend options that fit your lifestyle. 

Protect Your Vision with Total Vision Riverside

Your eyes are too important to take chances with, and napping in contact lenses can put your vision at risk. Whether it’s a short rest or a full night’s sleep, removing your lenses beforehand is the safest choice. Proper contact lens care, regular breaks, and routine eye exams are key to keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable.

At Total Vision Riverside, we’re dedicated to helping you see clearly and live confidently. From comprehensive eye exams to expert contact lens fittings, our team is here to provide personalized care and guidance every step of the way.

If you’ve experienced discomfort, redness, or blurry vision after sleeping in your contacts, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with us today. Together, we’ll ensure your vision stays strong, clear, and protected.