Can you take naps in contacts?

It’s been one of those days, and your morning coffee has long since worn off. Wouldn't it be nice if you could shut your eyes for 15 minutes? But you’re wearing contacts, and your solution and case are nowhere to be found. Do you really have to take them out to sleep? Even for a short nap? Find out what the experts say about whether it's safe to sleep in contact lenses, and discover tips to make your rest as easy on the eyes as it is on the brain.

Risks and considerations of napping with contacts

What happens if you take a nap with contacts? Since contact lenses rest on the eye’s surface, napping with contacts can cause irritation, dryness, and even serious infections.

Oxygen deprivation and dryness

As you nap, tear production decreases, leading to drier-than-usual conditions. Instead of your contact floating gently upon the cornea, it’s now dragging, much like a rowboat that hit bottom. You get the drift. 

Corneal irritation can cause scratchy eyes, blurriness, and soreness. Moreover, the cornea needs oxygen to heal, and oxygen can be in short supply when you factor in two layers — a contact lens and an eyelid.

Increased risk of infections

Not only does wearing contacts during naps provide more chances for corneal irritation, but it also increases the risk of infection. Your poor injured cornea is struggling for the necessary oxygen to repair itself, and suddenly, bacteria come and take up residence. (By the way, bacteria love warm, moist, dark environments, kind of like what’s under your eyelids.)

Corneal infections, whether caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, can develop into a corneal ulcer. Contact your eye care professional right away if you have signs of an eye infection, such as:

• Redness
• Irritation
• Increased tears or other discharge
• Blurry vision
• Soreness

Tips for safe napping with contacts

You now know it’s not a good idea to sleep or nap in your contacts, but what happens if a few minutes of relaxation suddenly becomes a hard-core snooze? Are there ways to protect your eyes if you accidentally nap in contacts?

Choose the right contacts for extended wear

For more flexibility in your lens wear and to avoid worrying about what happens if you take a nap with contacts, consider the benefits of extended or overnight contacts.  These lenses allow more oxygen through to the cornea. Many are FDA-approved for continuous wear for a limited number of nights.

Maybe you don’t plan to sleep in your contacts at all. However, you like the idea of extra breathability for your cornea. In that case, check into silicone hydrogel lenses for long-wearing comfort and increased oxygen flow. 

Since every patient and eye is unique, you’ll want to discuss the above options with your eye care professional. They’ll be able to tell you which contact is best for your vision and comfort. 

Lubricating eye drops and moisturizing

You can prevent eye dryness or reduce its effects with a drop or two of lubricating eye solution. First, make sure you use a rewetting drop safe for contact lens use and your type of lens. This extra bit of moisturizing and hydration can help keep your lenses comfortable in the event of an unexpected catnap.

Establish healthy contact lens habits

Unpleasant microorganisms would love to move into your eye neighborhood, so you need to create a routine for proper handling, cleaning, and storing your contacts.

• Always wash your hands before touching your contacts.
• Follow the manufacturer’s and your eye care professional’s instructions for daily cleansing and storing of lenses.
• Keep your lens case clean and replace contact lens solution each time you store lenses.
• Change your contact lenses as recommended. It may help to write the starting date on a newly opened box.
• Allow your cornea some contact-free time, either a little each evening or a full day’s break during the week.

Take control of your contact lens experience

The phrase “with great power comes great responsibility” is applicable to contact lens wear. If you want to enjoy the perks, you must wear them responsibly. That means giving your eyes a break now and then and taking your lenses out at night and during naps. In addition, talk to your eye care professional immediately if issues develop.

We offer a comprehensive selection of contact lenses on our site, including extended wear, daily, weekly, and monthly. Check out our savings page for coupons and secret promos.

FAQs

Can I take short naps with daily contact lenses?

The best practice for contact lens wearers is to remove their lenses for naps to prevent eye irritation.

How can I alleviate dryness and discomfort after napping in contacts?

If you accidentally fall asleep wearing contacts, you can use rewetting or lubricating drops approved for contact lens wear to make removal easier. Then, give your eyes a break before inserting your lenses again.

Are there specific types of contacts suitable for extended wear?

There are FDA-approved contact lenses that can be worn for up to 30 days. However, it’s still best to remove them for sleeping.