How To Sleep With Your Eyes Open

Imagine, if you could sleep with your eyes open. You could easily skip through boring meetings enjoying deep slumber. But sleeping with your eyes open? Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? Well, it isn’t. While for some, it happens unknowingly, you can also train yourself. So, how to sleep without closing eyes? Sleep Guides India will tell you how you can do it and discuss any side effects. Read ahead to know all about it! 

Why Do We Sleep with Our Eyes Closed?

When it comes to sleep, closing our eyes is a crucial aspect. But have you ever wondered why? The first reason we close our eyes is to block any light that can disrupt our sleep by stimulating the brain and keeping it awake for longer. 

Second, we close our eyes to protect it from harmful dust or debris and give it the necessary lubrication. Otherwise, our eyes will not only get irritated but also become completely dry. 

What Causes You to Sleep With Your Eyes Open?

There are a few reasons why you may sleep with your eyes open. They are;

Nocturnal lagophthalmos

Nocturnal lagophthalmos is a formal term for a condition for people that sleep with their eyes open. It happens because they are unable to close their eyes during their slumber. Usually, you are unaware of this condition unless your partner or family member notices the same. 

Stroke

Strokes can lead to serious health complications and also cause nerve cell damage, leading to sleeping with eyes wide open.

Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s Palsy is a condition that causes sudden muscle weakness or face paralysis. The episodes can last up to 48 hours due to damage to the seventh cranial nerve. This can lead to sleeping with eyes open. 

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is an eyelid surgery where patients may find it challenging to keep their eyes closed while sleeping. 

Neuromuscular Diseases

Neuromuscular diseases can cause difficulty in a person’s ability to move and make patients fall asleep with eyes open. 

Head or Facial Trauma or Injury

When you experience any head or facial trauma, it can lead to nocturnal lagophthalmos and can make you sleep with eyes open. 

Hyperthyroidism

It is a condition where you experience a thyroid imbalance. It can lead to muscle weakness, weight loss, increased appetite, hair loss, and more. 

Using Alcohol or Sleeping Pills

Sometimes, drinking too much alcohol or regular use of sleeping pills can also lead to sleeping with your eyes open. Therefore, it is always essential to limit your alcohol intake and only take prescription sleeping pills. 

Parasomnias

Parasomnia is when you experience abnormal sleep behaviour, such as sleepwalking or talking. In this condition, your eyes may remain open while asleep. 

Steps to Train Yourself to Sleep with Eyes Open

Can you sleep with your eyes open? Yes. Sleeping with your eyes open is possible and can help you sneak in a quick nap. Take a look at a few steps on how to fall asleep with your eyes open.

Relax Yourself

Just like a relaxed mind and body are essential for a good night’s rest, you can use the same technique here. While keeping your eyes open, ensure that you slowly relax every body part. 

Breathe Slow

Thinking about how to sleep without closing my eyes? Here you go. Breathing exercises have always been great when it comes to helping you sleep. Even here, make sure you take slow and deep breaths. 

Focus on Something

How can you sleep with your eyes open? Keep your focus on something at a distance. Make sure it’s not too bright, as it can distract you. This is just like the times when you zone out.

Let Your Thoughts Flow

Wondering how do you sleep with your eyes open? Let your thoughts flow freely and daydream about something unique, maybe an upcoming vacation or your happy place.

Other Techniques

If you are looking for other techniques to nap, take a look at the below-mentioned tips. 

Napping without Being Noticed

If you don’t have the time to learn to fall asleep without closing your eyes, try to nap without being noticed when you feel too tired. Maybe you can sneak into an unused meeting room or use sunglasses for a quick nap. 

Meditating with Your Eyes Open

How do you fall asleep with your eyes open? Meditation is your answer. While you usually meditate with your eyes closed, meditating with your eyes open could help you sleep without closing your eyes during your sessions and no one would notice. Again, use the above-mentioned procedure while meditating, where you relax, focus, and then visualise. 

Practice Lucid Dreaming

Lucid dreaming is when you are entirely aware of your dream. However, there is no step-by-step method on how to lucid dream. But all you can do is plant a seed in your mind thinking that you will have a lucid dream today and it will slowly happen.

Side Effects of Sleeping with Eyes Open

If you master the art of sleeping without closing your eyes, that’s great! But a few side effects are associated with it when you do it too frequently. When your eyelids don’t cover the eyes, you deprive them of the necessary lubrication. This could lead to redness, blurred vision, irritation, and sensitivity toward the light. 

When To Talk to Your Doctor

If you have been trying to sleep with your eyes open and notice blurred vision, light sensitivity or even irritation, you must speak with your doctor immediately.

Conclusion

If you are wondering is it possible to sleep with your eyes open? The answer is yes. Sleeping with your eyes open is possible. But you need lots of practice and patience. However, don’t make it a frequent thing as it can lead to side effects.

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