Have you ever witnessed anyone who sleeps with their eyes open? Do you know why this happens and what are the problems associated with it?
Well, sleeps with their eyes open is a disorder scientifically termed nocturnal lagophthalmos. This disorder mainly causes the eye to open while sleeping, raising many more concerns and eye health problems. Thus, in the following article, we will thoroughly examine the symptoms, causes and problems resulting from this disorder, the treatment, and more.
What are the Symptoms?
Examining the symptoms of sleeps with their eyes open is very crucial. It will assist you in getting an idea of whether you have the same problem. However, we have discussed the few significant symptoms of sleeping with open eyes below.
Eye exposure
The first symptom is sleeping while your eyes are on complete exposure. Your eye surfaces didn’t close.
Irregular blinking
The patients facing the problem of sleeps with their eyes open mostly have decreased blinking while sleeping.
Discomfort
One of the primary symptoms of sleeping with an eye open is the discomfort. Patients facing this problem are victimised mainly by eye irritation, dryness, and sensitivity.
What are the causes of sleeping with your eyes open?
Several factors contribute to why people sleep with their open eyes. Below are the major causes:
Neurological conditions
There are certain situations of Neuro disorders when you don’t have control, and it disturbs your regular eyelid movements.
The effect of medication
Another major cause might be the effect of different medicines that affect your muscle tone.
The habit
In a few cases, it is reported that individuals developed this habit of sleeping with their eyes open while sleeping for years, and now it’s their habit.
The imbalance of muscles
The imbalance and disruption in the muscles, which are responsible for the opening and closure of the eyelid, often lead to this problem.
The environment
Sometimes, environmental factors play a significant role. The windy or dry environment leads to the exposure of the eye while sleeping.
Thus, by evaluating these causes, we may understand why some individuals often sleep with open eyes.
What Are The Problems Associated With Eyes Open During Sleep?
If anyone is facing a problem with their eyes open during sleep, then it is a must that they have to face some additional issues, too. These problems affect the quality of life and cause health-related issues. Many people who sleep with their eyes open have dry eyes; as we know, the blinking movement of the eyes helps tears and fluid in the eyes to spread in every corner, but in a person with open eyes, this process does not occur and results in dry eyes. Another problem associated with eyes open during sleep is irritation. This irritation causes a sandy and itchy feeling in the eyes, leading to discomfort.
Moreover, a long duration of eyes open means more exposure to dust, debris, and pathogens, thus contracting more chance of eye infection. In addition, the problem most people affected by this problem must face is blurred vision. The blurry vision is because of infection in the eyes and sandy dryness, which builds up on the corner of the eyes due to less moisture.
Thus, there are lots of problems associated with open eye sleep. The most dangerous part of this disease is corneal abrasions or ulcers, which can cause blindness if not treated. Thus, to avoid these problems, getting treatment and consulting a professional is necessary.
How does it affect sleep quality?
There are several potential ways through which sleeps with their eyes open affects sleep quality. Below are the factors that affect sleep quality.
- Creates discomfort
- The sense of irritation
- The dry eyes
- Sensitivity in your eyes
Thus, these factors reduce your sleep quality, leading to potential eye issues and often creating fatigue and tiredness for you in the daytime.
What Are The Treatment Options For Patients Who Sleeps With Their Eyes Open?
Nocturnal Lagophthalmos can be treated with different methods.
- Using a Humidifier: A humidifier in the room can be a short-term solution to this disease as the humidifier maintains moisture levels in the room and patient eyes.
- Eye Lubricants: Eye drops or ointment can be used to avoid dryness and moisten the eyes. The ointment is the more appropriate solution as it stays longer.
- Botox Injections: These injections help patients with this problem due to facial nerve issues. Thus, by using these injections, patient feel the weight on the upper lid, and as a result, their eye closer.
- Surgery: In severe cases, tarsorrhaphy is a kind of surgery used to treat this disease. In this type of surgery, the eyelid is tightened, more weight is added to the eyes, or new eyelids are created.
- Customise Lenses: The lenses used to treat this disease are specialised. These scleral contact lenses retain moisture in the eyes and protect them from blindness.
Conclusion
Sleeps with their eyes open is a very uncomfortable yet irritating condition, creating lots of problems for your eyes later on. Hence, it is always recommended to keep a close eye on your eye symptoms so that you can treat them beforehand or take precautionary measures to reduce the chances. However, in case of getting serious symptoms, it is always advised to consult your health care professional.
FAQs
Why does my daughter sleep with her eyes open?
There is a phase of sleep during which REM means our eyes start moving rapidly. Thus, in children with an immature nervous system, it leads to eyes during that phase of sleep.
Why do people sleep with their eyes open?
There are several reasons, including hereditary factors, medical conditions, surgeries, injuries, fatigue, dehydration and sleep conditions. Treatment options for nocturnal lagophthalmos, or sleeping with the eyes open, depend on its severity and underlying cause.
