This guide is general information, not medical advice. Your optician or eye doctor knows your eyes and your lenses — always follow their instructions.
The short answer
Generally, no. Unless your eye care professional has fitted you with lenses approved for overnight wear and told you it's OK, you should take your contacts out before you sleep. The CDC's advice is simple: avoid sleeping in lenses unless your eye care provider has directed you to.
Why sleeping in lenses is risky
Your cornea — the clear front surface of your eye — has no blood vessels. It gets most of its oxygen straight from the air, and from your tears. When you're awake and blinking, a lens lets enough through. When your eyes are closed for hours, the supply drops sharply.
- Less oxygen can make the cornea swell slightly and leaves it more vulnerable.
- Germs get trapped. A lens worn overnight holds bacteria against the eye for hours with no blinking to wash them away.
- Higher infection risk. Sleeping in lenses is linked to a higher risk of eye infections such as keratitis, which can be serious and, in rare cases, affect your sight.
- Dryness and discomfort. Even without infection, many people wake up with red, gritty, uncomfortable eyes.
What about "extended wear" lenses?
Some lenses are approved for overnight or continuous wear. That doesn't make them risk-free — it means your eye care professional has decided they're suitable for you, with a specific schedule and check-ups. If you haven't had that conversation, assume your lenses are for daytime wear only.
What about a quick nap?
A short nap is less of a concern than a full night, but the same logic applies: closed eyes mean less oxygen and trapped germs. If you know you're going to nap, take your lenses out. If you nodded off by accident, follow the steps below.
You slept in your lenses — what now?
- Don't rip them out. If a lens feels stuck, blink several times or use rewetting drops made for contact lenses, wait a few minutes, then remove it gently.
- Give your eyes a break. Wear glasses for the rest of the day so your corneas can recover.
- Bin daily lenses. If they were dailies, throw them away. For reusable lenses, clean and disinfect them as usual — or start a fresh pair if they feel uncomfortable.
- Watch how your eyes feel over the next day or so.
Symptoms that mean you should see an eye doctor
Take your lenses out and contact an optician or eye doctor promptly if you notice any of these — don't wait to see if they go away:
- Eye pain, or a feeling that something is stuck in your eye
- Redness that doesn't settle after a few hours
- Blurred vision or a sudden change in vision
- Unusual sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes or discharge
Bring your lenses and case with you if you can — they can help your eye doctor work out what's going on.
How to stop it happening again
- Keep your case and glasses by the bed. Taking lenses out is easier when you don't have to get up.
- Make it part of your evening routine. Lenses out before you brush your teeth, every night.
- Consider dailies if you often fall asleep on the sofa or travel a lot — ask your optician whether they suit your eyes.
- Set an evening reminder. A gentle nudge at the same time each night helps the habit stick.
Add your pair once. Get a home-screen countdown, a reminder when it's time to swap, case reminders and a history for each eye.
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to sleep in contact lenses for one night?
It's best not to. Even one night raises your risk of irritation and infection. If it happens, take the lenses out as soon as you wake up, wear glasses for the day and watch for symptoms like pain, redness or blurred vision.
Can you nap with contact lenses in?
A short nap is less risky than a full night, but your eyes still get less oxygen while closed. If you plan to nap, take your lenses out first.
What should I do if my contact lens is stuck after sleeping?
Don't force it. Blink several times or use rewetting drops made for contact lenses, wait a few minutes and then remove it gently. If it still won't come out or your eye hurts, contact an eye care professional.
Are there contact lenses you can sleep in?
Some lenses are approved for extended or overnight wear, but only your eye care professional can decide whether they're right for you and how long you can wear them.
Sources: CDC — Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts. This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your eye care professional.