Sleep With One Eye Open: Causes, Risks, and Natural Remedies
While it may sound like a metaphor, some people actually sleep with one eye open. Known medically as nocturnal lagophthalmos, this condition can lead to eye dryness, irritation, and poor sleep quality. Causes range from facial nerve problems to thyroid eye disease, trauma, or even genetics.
Sleeping with one eye open can also indicate heightened anxiety or hypervigilance, particularly in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In these cases, the body remains partially alert during sleep, making it difficult to enter deep, restorative rest.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, the eyes are connected to the liver, and restlessness of the spirit (shen) can manifest as difficulty closing the eyes fully. Addressing the root cause through acupuncture and calming herbal formulas can help balance the system.
If you often sleep with one eye open, consult a healthcare provider to rule out neurological or muscular conditions. Meanwhile, use sleep masks, eye ointments, and calming routines to protect your eyes and ease into deeper sleep.