Why do we close our eyes when we sleep?
My daughter asked me today why we close our eyes when we sleep. I didn't have a good answer for her! Is it just to block light, or is there a deeper biological reason for it?
5 answers
6 months ago
Most liked
Well, obviously to block out light and give our eyes a rest! It also keeps dust out while we're unconscious. If you find your eyes aren't closing fully during sleep, that could be a concern, and worth checking with a doctor.
4 months ago
My grandmother used to say closing eyes helps us feel calm and protected. But scientifically, it's mostly to block out light and keep our eyes moist. If you're having trouble sleeping, a doctor can always help, don't hesitate.
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Consult a ophthalmologist
yrs exp
5 months ago
Seriously? Because if I didn't, my brain would probably try to watch YouTube all night even when I'm sleeping! Plus, who wants dust bunnies in their eyeballs while they're trying to dream? Logic, I guess.
4 months ago
Last year I had an issue where my eyes felt dry even after sleeping. Turns out, it's really important for them to close fully to stay moist and protected from light. It's a natural reflex to aid recovery and prevent irritation during sleep.
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4 months ago
Closing our eyes when we sleep is a basic function, saves our eyes from light and dryness. No need for any fancy tests for this, it's just how our body works. Just focus on getting enough sleep itself, that's more important.