Napping is a great way to recharge during a busy day. For contact lens wearers, the question of whether it’s safe to nap with lenses in often comes up. Understanding the risks and best practices is key to protecting your eyes.
Contact lenses are convenient for clear vision without glasses. However, wearing them during sleep, even a short nap, can raise concerns. Eye health experts generally advise caution to avoid complications.
This article explores whether you can take a nap with contacts. It covers potential risks, safe practices, and tips for healthy lens use. Always consult your eye doctor for personalized advice.
Understanding Contact Lenses and How They Work
Contact lenses are thin, curved discs placed directly on the eye. They correct vision issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Most lenses are made of soft, breathable materials like silicone hydrogel.
Lenses need oxygen to keep your eyes healthy. During wear, they allow some oxygen to reach the cornea. Proper care, like cleaning and removing them, prevents issues.
Napping with contacts reduces oxygen flow to the eyes. This can cause discomfort or more serious problems. Knowing how lenses interact with your eyes is crucial.
Risks of Napping with Contact Lenses
Can I take a nap with contacts? While a short nap may seem harmless, it carries risks. Closed eyes reduce oxygen to the cornea, which contacts already limit.
This lack of oxygen can lead to dryness or irritation. In some cases, it increases the chance of infections. Bacterial buildup under lenses is a key concern.
Extended wear lenses are designed for overnight use. However, even these carry risks if not approved by your doctor. Regular lenses are less safe for naps.
Serious complications, like corneal ulcers, are rare but possible. These can cause pain or vision loss if untreated. Removing lenses before napping minimizes these risks.
Types of Contact Lenses and Nap Safety
Not all contact lenses are the same. Daily disposable lenses are worn once and discarded. They’re not designed for sleep, including naps.
Soft monthly or biweekly lenses are common. These require removal before sleep to avoid complications. Napping with them increases irritation risks.
Extended wear lenses are approved for overnight use. Some are safe for up to 30 days of continuous wear. Check with your doctor if yours are nap-safe.
Hard lenses, like gas-permeable ones, are less common. They’re less flexible and riskier for naps. Always follow your eye doctor’s guidance.
How Long Is Too Long for a Nap with Contacts?
Short naps, under 15–20 minutes, pose less risk. Oxygen deprivation is minimal during brief eye closure. Still, removing lenses is safer.
Naps longer than 30 minutes increase risks. Prolonged eye closure traps bacteria and reduces oxygen. This can lead to discomfort or infections.
If you nap frequently, consider daily disposables. They reduce buildup risks compared to monthly lenses. Extended wear lenses are another option for habitual nappers.
Always check your lens type’s guidelines. Even short naps can cause issues with non-extended wear lenses. Your eye doctor can clarify what’s safe.
Common Symptoms After Napping with Contacts
Napping with contacts may cause dry eyes. You might feel grittiness or burning upon waking. Artificial tears can help relieve this.
Redness or irritation is another common issue. This happens when lenses trap debris or bacteria. Rinse your eyes with saline if this occurs.
Blurred vision may follow a nap. This is often temporary and resolves with blinking or rewetting drops. Persistent blurriness needs a doctor’s attention.
Feeling like something’s stuck in your eye is a warning sign. Remove lenses immediately and inspect them. Seek medical help if discomfort continues.
Tips to Safely Nap with Contact Lenses
If you must nap with contacts, keep it short. Aim for 15 minutes or less to minimize risks. Set an alarm to avoid oversleeping.
Use rewetting drops before napping. These keep your eyes hydrated and reduce dryness. Choose preservative-free drops for sensitive eyes.
Check if your lenses are extended wear. Only these are designed for sleep, including naps. Confirm with your eye doctor first.
Remove lenses if you’re prone to long naps. Store them in a clean case with fresh solution. This prevents complications and keeps lenses safe.
Best Practices for Contact Lens Care
Always wash your hands before handling lenses. Use mild soap and dry with a lint-free towel. This reduces bacteria transfer.
Clean lenses with the recommended solution. Never use water or saliva, as they harbor germs. Follow your doctor’s cleaning instructions.
Replace your lens case every three months. Old cases can grow bacteria, increasing infection risks. Rinse and air-dry the case daily.
Avoid wearing lenses past their expiration. Overworn lenses are less breathable and riskier. Stick to the prescribed schedule.
Alternatives to Napping with Contacts
Removing lenses before napping is the safest option. Store them in a case with fresh solution. This takes just a minute and protects your eyes.
Keep a spare pair of glasses handy. If you need to nap unexpectedly, switch to glasses. They’re a hassle-free alternative.
Daily disposable lenses are ideal for flexibility. Discard them before napping and use a fresh pair after. This reduces infection risks.
If napping is frequent, talk to your doctor about extended wear lenses. These are designed for continuous use, including sleep. They require specific approval.
When to See an Eye Doctor
See a doctor if you experience persistent redness. This could signal an infection or corneal issue. Prompt care prevents complications.
Severe pain or light sensitivity needs immediate attention. These may indicate a corneal ulcer or abrasion. Don’t ignore these symptoms.
Blurred vision lasting more than a day is concerning. It may point to lens damage or an eye condition. An eye exam can diagnose the cause.
If you frequently nap with contacts and notice issues, consult your doctor. They may recommend a different lens type or schedule. Regular check-ups ensure eye health.
Contact Lens Nap Safety Guidelines
| Lens Type | Nap Safety | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Disposables | Not safe for naps | Remove before napping to avoid irritation |
| Soft Monthly/Biweekly | Risky for naps | Best removed; higher infection risk |
| Extended Wear | Safer for naps | Must be doctor-approved for sleep |
| Hard Gas-Permeable | Not safe for naps | Less breathable, higher risk |
Short naps (under 20 minutes) are less risky. Extended wear lenses are the safest for napping. Always follow your doctor’s advice.
Long-Term Eye Health with Contacts
Consistent lens care prevents long-term issues. Infections from improper use can scar the cornea. This may affect vision permanently.
Regular eye exams catch problems early. Schedule check-ups every 6–12 months. Your doctor can adjust your lens type or prescription.
Avoid overusing lenses, even extended wear ones. Continuous wear increases infection risks over time. Follow the recommended schedule.
Healthy habits, like not rubbing your eyes, protect vision. Use drops for dryness instead. This keeps your eyes comfortable and safe.
Can I Take a Nap with Contacts: Key Considerations
Can I take a nap with contacts? Short naps are generally low-risk, but removing lenses is safer. Non-extended wear lenses increase the chance of dryness or infections.
Use rewetting drops and keep naps brief. Extended wear lenses are better for napping, but only with doctor approval. Proper lens care is essential.
If you experience discomfort, remove lenses immediately. Persistent issues need an eye doctor’s attention. Prioritizing eye health ensures safe contact use.
Summary
Can I take a nap with contacts? While short naps under 20 minutes pose minimal risk, removing contact lenses is the safest choice to avoid dryness, irritation, or infections.
Non-extended wear lenses, like daily disposables or monthly soft lenses, are not designed for sleep, increasing risks of complications. Extended wear lenses may be safer for napping but require doctor approval.
Symptoms like redness or blurred vision after napping need prompt attention. Using rewetting drops, maintaining proper lens care, and switching to glasses or daily disposables can protect your eyes. Regular eye exams and consultations with your doctor ensure long-term eye health while using contacts.
FAQ
Is it safe to nap with contact lenses?
Short naps (under 20 minutes) are low-risk but not ideal. Removing lenses prevents dryness or infections. Extended wear lenses are safer with doctor approval.
What happens if I nap with daily contact lenses?
Daily lenses can cause dryness or irritation during naps. They’re not designed for sleep, increasing infection risk. Remove them before napping for safety.
Can extended wear lenses be used for napping?
Yes, if approved by your eye doctor. These lenses allow more oxygen during sleep. Confirm your lens type is suitable for naps.
What should I do if my eyes feel irritated after napping with contacts?
Remove lenses and rinse your eyes with saline. Use rewetting drops for relief. See a doctor if irritation persists.
How can I prevent eye issues when napping with contacts?
Keep naps short and use rewetting drops. Remove lenses or switch to glasses. Follow proper lens care and consult your eye doctor.