Some people can’t shut their eyes when asleep, why is this?
Share
Sign Up to our social questions and Answers Engine to ask questions, answer people's questions, and connect with other people.
Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.
While the phenomenon isn’t entirely understood, the most common cause is a sleep disorder called nocturnal lagophthalmos, which basically means an inability to fully close your eyelids at night. Sometimes this is triggered by skin disorders or even botched cosmetic surgery, but usually it’s an issue with your facial nerve. Luckily, most people who sleep with their eyes open don’t suffer any serious side effects. As a result, treatment can be as simple as using fake tears or eye ointment before bed and after waking to ensure the eye stays lubricated. Sleeping with a mask over the eyes can help as well.
Sleeping with your eyes open is more than just a metaphor for being observant. Some people really do sleep with their eyes open—and it can damage their eyes and vision. Being unable to close the eyelids is called lagophthalmos. If this only happens during sleep, it’s called nocturnal lagophthalmos. This doesn’t mean the eyes are wide open, though. In most cases, the lids will close most of the way but not completely. Even a small opening in the eyelids can dry out the eyes overnight. Over time, the eyes can become chronically dry and uncomfortable, leading to exposure keratopathy, scratches on the eye, corneal abrasions and corneal ulcers. As most people fall asleep, the eyelids naturally close completely when facial muscles relax. People might sleep with their eyes open if:
-They were born with eyelids that don’t close completely
-The eyelid muscles are damaged by infection, inflammation or injury
-Bells’ palsy, stroke, tumor or another condition has paralyzed some of the facial nerves
-Graves’ disease or another condition is causing the eyes to bulge forward
-Blepharoplasty or other surgery has changed how the eyelids move.