Can You Sleep in Your Glasses?

It's easy to fall asleep while reading, watching television or relaxing in bed and realise later that you're still wearing your glasses.

Although accidentally dozing off in them occasionally doesn't mean they'll automatically be damaged, regularly sleeping in your glasses isn't a good habit.

Why shouldn't you sleep in your glasses?

Your glasses are designed to sit on your face while you're upright and going about your day.

When you lie on a pillow, the frame can be pushed against your face or pressed sideways.

This can place unnecessary pressure on the sides, hinges and front of the frame.

Could sleeping in glasses bend them?

Yes, it's possible.

If you roll onto your side while sleeping, your pillow may push one side of the frame out of alignment.

Over time, your glasses could begin to sit unevenly or feel different when you wear them.

There's also a risk of damaging the hinges or sides if enough pressure is applied.

What about the lenses?

Lenses can also be exposed to unnecessary wear.

Your glasses may rub against bedding, fall onto the floor or become trapped underneath you while you're asleep.

Keeping them safely inside a case removes these risks.

Can glasses feel uncomfortable while sleeping?

Even well-fitting glasses can become uncomfortable when pressure is applied from the side.

The frame may press against your temples, nose or behind your ears when your head rests against a pillow.

Where should you put your glasses at night?

The safest option is a protective hard case.

Keep the case somewhere easy to reach from your bed so removing your glasses becomes part of your normal bedtime routine.

A bedside table is ideal.

Avoid simply placing them on the bed

Leaving glasses loose on your duvet or pillow makes them easy to forget about.

Someone could sit on them, they could fall onto the floor or you could roll onto them during the night.

If you need your glasses immediately after waking, keeping their case beside the bed means they'll still be within easy reach.

What if you accidentally fall asleep wearing them?

Don't panic.

Remove your glasses when you wake up and check that they still sit comfortably and evenly.

If they suddenly appear crooked, feel unusually loose or no longer sit correctly, they may need adjusting.

Give your glasses somewhere safe to sleep

Your prescription glasses may spend most of the day with you, but bedtime is a good opportunity to put them somewhere protected.

Taking a few seconds to place them inside their case can help protect the frame and lenses while ensuring they're ready for you again in the morning.