Waking up with dry eyes is a rough way to begin a day. It’s irritating, frustrating, and uncomfortable. But dry eyes aren’t just a temporary problem—they’re often a sign of an underlying problem. So why are your eyes dry when you wake up, and what can you do about it?
Common causes of waking up with dry eyes include:
- Poor sleep
- Allergies
- Dry eyes
- Environmental factors
- Medications
- Health conditions
- Aging and hormonal changes
Poor Sleep
Sleep quality is the first place to look. While sleeping, your body is in a state of rest and recovery, including your eyes. If you don’t get enough sleep or wake up constantly, your eyes don’t have enough time to repair. As well, the longer you are awake in a day with eyes open, the longer they are exposed to air and can dry out.
Conditions like sleep apnea come into play as well. Many CPAP machines can have air leaks that disrupt your tear film and hydration. Even sleeping in positions that don’t fully protect your eyes—like lying under a fan—contributes to irritation.
If you frequently wake up with dry eyes, start by assessing your sleep environment. A cool, comfortable environment can make all the difference.
Allergies
Both seasonal and year-round allergies dry out your eyes. When you’re exposed to allergens like dust and dander, you’ll likely notice irritation. People with allergies often experience itchy or burning eyes, which can make mornings particularly challenging.
If you deal with allergies, try to:
- Reduce exposure to allergens by closing windows during peak pollen times.
- Regularly clean bedding, carpets, and other surfaces that attract dust or pet hair.
- Use an air purifier to filter out allergens and improve indoor air quality.
- Use prescription allergy drops from your optometrist, and artificial tears.
- Wash your hands and face after spending time outdoors to remove allergens from your skin.
Allergies are easy to manage, and these strategies can be a simple way to find relief from dry eyes.
Dry Eyes
Dry eye disease is a common cause of morning eye discomfort. This occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears—or when the tears lack the oils needed to maintain moisture. The purpose of the blink is to lather the eye with a proper tear film, but when we sleep, our tear film dries out.
People with dry eye syndrome typically experience:
- Redness and irritation in the eyes
- A gritty or sandy sensation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
These are often more noticeable in the morning. Fortunately, dry eye disease is highly treatable. You can visit your optometrist and discuss dry eye therapy. This is an effective way to find long-lasting relief.
Environmental Factors
The conditions in your sleeping environment make a significant difference. A proper sleeping environment should be relaxing, dark, and comfortable.
However, dry air caused by excessive heating or cooling, low humidity, or ceiling fans puts extra strain on your eyes. This environment pulls moisture from your eyes when they should be repairing themselves.
If the air in your room dries out your eyes, try:
- Using a humidifier to maintain optimal room humidity.
- Avoiding pointing fans or air vents directly at your face while sleeping.
- Practicing consistent eye care, like applying lubricating drops before bed.
- Staying hydrated at all times to maintain moisture levels.
- Close your windows if you live in a dry environment.
These small adjustments can be extremely effective.
Medications
Some medications cause dry eyes by reducing your body’s natural tear production. If your eyes are consistently dry in the morning, it could be due to:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Antidepressants
- Blood pressure medications
- Acne medications
If you regularly use one or more of these, consult your healthcare provider. They may suggest alternative treatments or recommend ways to manage dryness caused by medications.
Health Conditions
Underlying health conditions are a common culprit. The human eye is extremely complex, but it’s also sensitive. This makes it vulnerable to all kinds of underlying conditions, such as:
A proper diagnosis is key to effectively managing these conditions. Waking up with dry eyes is common, but it can often signal something serious. If you often wake up with dry eyes, visit a healthcare professional for a thorough examination.
Aging & Hormonal Changes
Sometimes, the reason you’re waking up with dry eyes is simple: age-related changes in the eye. Aging naturally reduces the body’s ability to produce tears and hydrate itself. It also increases the likelihood of developing other conditions that could be affecting the eyes.
Meanwhile, hormonal changes often impact the eyes. This is a common reason why some women wake up with dry eyes—pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal fluctuations often affect tear production. This is entirely normal, but it’s still worth speaking to a doctor if you’re experiencing discomfort.
Let Us Help You Find Relief
Morning eye dryness shouldn’t be ignored. It’s often a sign of a deeper issue affecting the eyes. While these are sometimes harmless, they can indicate a serious condition or hormonal imbalance.
If you regularly wake up with dry eyes, contact our team at Discover Eyecare. We can examine your eyes and diagnose the cause of your symptoms. You deserve clear, comfortable vision, and we’re here to help. Book an appointment with us today—relief could be right around the corner!
