Sleeping in contact lenses is generally not recommended unless your contact lenses have been specifically prescribed and approved for overnight wear by your eye care professional.
Wearing contact lenses while sleeping may reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea and can increase the risk of eye irritation, dryness, and infection.
Always follow the wearing schedule recommended by your eye care professional and the instructions for your specific contact lenses.
Can You Sleep in Contact Lenses?
For most contact lens wearers, the answer is no.
Unless your contact lenses are specifically prescribed and approved for overnight wear, they should be removed before going to sleep. Sleeping in contact lenses that are not intended for overnight use may reduce oxygen reaching the eye and increase the likelihood of discomfort or eye complications.
Always follow the wearing schedule recommended by your eye care professional.
Why Is Sleeping in Contact Lenses Not Recommended?
When your eyes are closed during sleep, the cornea naturally receives less oxygen. Wearing contact lenses during this time can further reduce oxygen flow.
Sleeping in contact lenses that are not approved for overnight wear may:
Increase eye dryness.
Reduce wearing comfort.
Allow deposits to remain on the lens surface longer.
Increase the risk of eye irritation and infection.
Removing your lenses before bed helps support healthy contact lens wear.
Can You Nap While Wearing Contact Lenses?
Even short naps are generally not recommended unless your contact lenses have been prescribed for overnight wear. Removing your lenses before sleeping—even for a short period—is the safest approach for most contact lens wearers.
What happens if I accidentally sleep in my contact lenses?
If you accidentally fall asleep wearing your contact lenses, allow your eyes to rehydrate before removing them. If you notice persistent discomfort, redness, pain, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light after removing your lenses, contact your eye care professional.
Can you sleep in daily disposable contact lenses?
Daily disposable contact lenses are designed for daytime wear and should be removed and discarded after use. They should not be worn while sleeping unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear.
Can you sleep in monthly contact lenses?
Most monthly contact lenses should be removed before sleeping unless they have been specifically approved and prescribed for overnight wear by your eye care professional.
How can I reduce the risk of eye problems while wearing contact lenses?
Follow the replacement schedule recommended by your eye care professional, remove your lenses before sleeping unless instructed otherwise, clean reusable lenses with fresh contact lens solution, and attend regular eye examinations.
