[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/dry-eyes-at-night-heres-whats-really-happening\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/dry-eyes-at-night-heres-whats-really-happening\/","headline":"Dry eyes at night? Here\u2019s what\u2019s really happening","name":"Dry eyes at night? Here\u2019s what\u2019s really happening","description":"Do your eyes feel dry at night or in the morning? Learn why it happens, who\u2019s at risk, and what you can do for lasting relief.\r\n","datePublished":"2025-10-17","dateModified":"2025-10-07","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/#Person","name":"My Eye Clinic","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"My Eye Clinic Gosforth","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","width":167,"height":122}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Dry-eyes-at-night-Heres-whats-really-happening-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Dry-eyes-at-night-Heres-whats-really-happening-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","height":600,"width":900},"url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/dry-eyes-at-night-heres-whats-really-happening\/","about":["Dry Eye & Blepharitis"],"wordCount":485,"articleBody":"Dry eyes at night? Here\u2019s what\u2019s really happeningDo your eyes feel sore, gritty, or unusually dry in the evenings or when you wake up? Night-time dry eye is a common complaint, and it can affect sleep, comfort, and vision. But why does it happen, and what can you do about it?Why dry eyes are worse at nightThere are several reasons why symptoms often flare up in the evening:Reduced blinking: During the day, blinking spreads tears evenly. At night, your blink rate slows, and your eyes may dry out.Contact lens wear: Wearing lenses throughout the day reduces oxygen flow to the eyes, leading to end-of-day dryness.Digital strain: Long hours on screens reduce blinking, so by bedtime your eyes are already irritated.Environment: Bedrooms with fans, heating, or air conditioning can dry the air and your eyes.Incomplete eyelid closure: Some people\u2019s eyelids don\u2019t fully close during sleep, leaving eyes exposed.Why dryness is common in the morning tooIf you wake up with dry eyes, you might be experiencing:Nocturnal lagophthalmos: Sleeping with your eyes slightly openSleep apnea masks (CPAP): Air leaks from masks can blow directly into your eyesLow tear production: Natural tear levels dip at night, making morning dryness worseWho is more at risk?Night-time dry eye is especially common if you:Are over 40 (tear production decreases with age)Take certain medications that reduce tear productionHave medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, or autoimmune disordersAre going through menopause, when hormonal changes affect tear balanceWhat you can do to prevent night-time dry eye Use lubricating drops or gels before bed Night-time eye gels are thicker than daytime drops and provide longer-lasting moisture. Try a humidifier Adding moisture to the air in your bedroom can reduce evaporation. Protect your eyes during sleep Moisture goggles or eye masks can keep your eyes closed and hydrated. Check your sleep position Avoid sleeping under fans or with air blowing across your face. Address eyelid issues If your eyelids don\u2019t fully close, an eye doctor can recommend treatments to help. Treat underlying conditions Managing medical conditions or adjusting medications can improve night-time symptoms.When to see a doctorIf your eyes are persistently dry at night despite trying home remedies, it\u2019s time for a professional assessment. Chronic dry eye can damage the eye\u2019s surface if left untreated.Professional treatment optionsAn eye doctor may recommend:Prescription anti-inflammatory eye dropsPunctal plugs to retain tearsProcedures to clear blocked oil glandsSpecialised therapies for eyelid closure issuesThe bottom lineDry eyes at night are common but not something you have to live with. By identifying the cause and making changes, you can protect your vision and get a better night\u2019s sleep.Next stepsTake our dry eye self-test to see if you might benefit from a professional dry eye treatment plan."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Dry eyes at night? Here\u2019s what\u2019s really happening","item":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/dry-eyes-at-night-heres-whats-really-happening\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]