The Importance of Nighttime Eye Care

Like most people, you probably have a bedtime routine—wash your face, brush your teeth, change into pajamas, and wind down to transition into sleep. Maybe you even do some stretching, meditation or prayer, or take a long, soothing bath. But are you forgetting to take care of your eyes? 

The Importance of Eye Care Before Bedtime

Sure, good sleep is important for your overall health, but a nighttime eye care routine can make a difference too. We’re talking about more than just taking out your contact lenses or putting your glasses by your bedside. A consistent nighttime eye care routine can help relieve nighttime eye dryness so you don’t wake up with dry, irritated eyes. 

Debris from pollutants, makeup, and even your fingers can affect the eyes if not washed away before sleeping. Because you blink much less during sleep, your protective tear film may become thin or even evaporate, leaving you with dry, irritated and red eyes to start your day. No one wants that.

Plus, persistent dry eyes can lead to further eye problems, so it makes sense to add a few simple steps to your nighttime routine to relieve dryness and hydrate your eyes. 

6 Tips for a Good Nighttime Eye Care Routine

Like any other part of your body, your eyes need regular attention. Even though your eyes are at rest overnight, they can still get dry and irritated, causing you to wake up with eyes that feel gritty, dry and stuck together. Even if you do just some of these steps below before bed, you can help soothe and hydrate your eyes overnight.

1. Ditch the screens.

Stop scrolling on your phone. The National Sleep Foundation recommends stopping all screen use – TV, phone and laptops – at least 30 minutes before bedtime. This gives your eyes and your brain time to rest and get ready for sleep.

2. Gently cleanse your face and eyes.

Gently wash your face. Use a gentle soap safe for eye use and no rubbing when washing your face. Remove eye makeup gently too.

If you have dry eyes or suffer from blepharitis, a condition that inflames the eyelids, you may want to either use specially formulated eye wipes or a gentle soap or baby shampoo on your eyelids to wash away any bacteria or crust that has formed during the day.

3. Use your ring finger for applying creams and serums.

Apply any night cream or eye serum around your eyes with your ring finger. Because the ring finger is generally weaker than your other fingers, you’re less likely to pull or rub skin. Gently dab cream or serum on, moving softly from near your nose to the outside of your face. 

4. Apply a warm compress.

If you struggle with dry eyes or your eyes typically feel gritty by end of day, use a warm compress over your eyes before bed to soothe your eyes and improve the quality of your tears. Within 10 to 15 minutes, the warmth will help loosen any oils blocking your tear glands and can bring relief for dry eyes.

5. Use eye drops formulated for overnight.

Apply eye drops to soothe irritated eyes and prevent nighttime eye dryness. TheraTears® Liquid Gel Nighttime Dry Eye Therapy provides soothing overnight relief and protection.

6. Add moisture to the air in your bedroom.

Use a humidifier overnight if you live in a dry climate or are using your heat or air conditioner. Dry air overnight can make your eyes’ protective tear film dry up even quicker.

Bonus tip: Wash your bedding regularly.

To help prevent nighttime eye dryness, wash your bedding regularly (at least once a week) to reduce and remove dust mites, pollen, human and pet dander, and other allergens.