On the basis of the title of this post, you are probably wondering if there are any advantages to sleeping with the eyes open. In a word, the answer is NO. One should never try this just for the sake of it. There are some people who want to learn this to catch a sneaky nap in the midst of a boring class or long meeting. But doing this can even endanger eye health.
However, there are some people who can’t help but sleep with their eyes open. Autoimmune disorders, strokes, and some facial injuries can make a person unable to close their eyes during slumber. But the most common condition that causes people to sleep with their eyes open is nocturnal lagophthalmos, the inability to close the eyelids during sleep. Most people suffering from nocturnal lagophthalmos find it nearly impossible to shut their eyes during sleep. Consult a doctor regarding treatment options for nocturnal lagophthalmos or any other ailments preventing from closing the eyes during sleep. Meanwhile, there are a few steps to minimize the harmful side effects of sleeping with the eyes open.
How To Safely Sleep With The Eyes Open
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation can help the body for sleep, with eyes open, or closed. A great way to calm the body and mind is known as progressive relaxation. For this, focus on one section of the body at a time. Begin from the tips of the toes and tense all the muscles in that region while taking a deep breath. Then slowly exhale and relax the muscles. After that, move on to the ankles, then the calves, and so on, until each muscle is tensed all the way to the top of the head and relaxed in turn. Practicing this technique can have a calming effect that can help to fall asleep.
Eye Masks
If a person is unable to close eyes, then some face masks can perform the same functions as the eyelids. The specially designed moisture goggles for nocturnal lagophthalmos are a great option as they will shelter eyes from airflow, dust, and injury. Also, it helps the eyes to retain moisture throughout the night. A lot of moisture goggles come with a deep tint or full opacity, blocking out light and dry air.
Daydreaming
For a calm state of mind, it is vital to let the thoughts wander where they will. Try to clear your thoughts as it fails and floods the mind leading to anxiety about the inability to think about nothing. Instead of that, start daydreaming about stuff you enjoy. Avoid trying to direct the thoughts. Letting the mind to do what it wants without supervision will eventually slow down the wandering mind on its own.
Eye Focus
Try to fix the eyes on a single spot and do not move them. The spot should be free of distractions, bright lights, and loud noises. This will allow one to stare without moving the eyes to keep the focus on the spot. Keep the eyes motionless. Eventually, the eyes may start to lose focus. If they do, let them. Once the eyes are completely out of focus and relaxed, a person can find it easier to fall asleep with the eyes open.
Get A Cozy Mattress
A mattress can indeed make all the difference between a night of peaceful sleep and a night of interrupted and troubled sleep. Durfi provides the best mattress for a comfortable sleep. The Cotton Candy Memory Foam mattress is all about support and comfort. The mattress has antibacterial, hypo-allergenic, and breathable fabrics. It not only looks after sleep quality but also after the well-being of a person.
Final Words
Our eyes are a pair of complex and sensitive organs. As compared to the other organs of the body, the eyes are more exposed to external threats and stressors. Sleeping with the eyes open is not a weird sleep quirk. It is a major issue that can even damage eye health. Consult a doctor as soon as you discover the symptoms of nocturnal lagophthalmos and get proper treatment.
And get a Durfi mattress to achieve sweet dreams again!!!