Can You Nap With Contacts?.
Napping with Contacts: A Risky Snooze or a Harmless Hibernation?
The midday slump hits, eyelids get heavy, and the siren song of a quick nap calls. But what about your loyal contact lenses, faithfully perched on your eyes? Can they join you in this blissful snoozefest, or do they need a break too?
The answer, like most things in life, is a nuanced "it depends." While the occasional, unintentional nap with contacts might not be a disaster, making it a regular habit is definitely not recommended. Here's why:
The Case Against Contact Naps:
- Oxygen deprivation: Your eyes need oxygen to stay healthy and fight off bacteria. When you sleep, your eyelids naturally close, reducing the amount of oxygen reaching your eyes. This can be even worse with contacts, as they create a physical barrier to oxygen flow. This oxygen deprivation can lead to dryness, irritation, and even corneal ulcers, nasty infections that can damage your vision.
- Increased risk of infection: Sleeping with contacts essentially traps them in a warm, moist environment, a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. This can lead to conjunctivitis (pink eye), corneal infections, and other eye problems.
- Blurry vision: Even a short nap can leave your eyes feeling dry and scratchy, leading to blurry vision upon waking. This discomfort can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling groggy even after a nap.
- Damage to the cornea: The constant rubbing of your eyelids against the lenses during sleep can cause micro-abrasions on your cornea, the sensitive outer layer of your eye. These abrasions can make your eyes more susceptible to infections and can even lead to scarring.
The Case for Occasional Contact Naps (with caveats):
- Extended wear contacts: If you wear extended wear lenses, specifically designed for overnight wear, an occasional nap might be okay, as these lenses are made with materials that allow more oxygen to reach your eyes. However, even with extended wear lenses, it's best to remove them for a few hours each day and give your eyes a break.
- The occasional power nap: If you're caught in a situation where a quick nap is unavoidable and your contacts are in, try to limit it to 20-30 minutes. Any longer, and you start significantly increasing the risks mentioned above.
- Hydration and lubrication: Before and after your nap, use artificial tears to keep your eyes hydrated and reduce friction between your eyelids and the lenses. This can help minimize discomfort.
Remember:
- Always consult your eye doctor before making any changes to your contact lens routine, including napping with them.
- Listen to your eyes. If they feel dry, irritated, or uncomfortable after a nap, remove your contacts immediately and use artificial tears.
- Prioritize your eye health. Your vision is a precious gift, so don't take unnecessary risks.
So, the next time you feel the urge to catch some Zzz's, consider giving your eyes a break too. Ditch the contacts, grab your pillow, and enjoy a guilt-free nap, knowing your eyes will thank you for it. After all, refreshed eyes are the best accessory for a bright and beautiful day!
Bonus tips:
- Keep a spare pair of glasses handy for those unexpected nap opportunities.
- Invest in a comfortable eye mask to block out light and minimize eyelid rubbing.
- Make napping a healthy habit by establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing environment.
Sweet dreams and healthy eyes!
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