Can You Sleep in Contacts? (Even Just One Night)

You should not sleep in contact lenses unless they’re specifically labeled “extended wear.” Sleeping in regular contacts increases the risk of serious eye infections and reduces oxygen to the cornea.

Why Sleeping in Contacts Is Risky

Your cornea (the clear front part of your eye) needs oxygen to stay healthy. When you wear contacts, especially overnight, you reduce that oxygen supply. This can cause dry eyes, blurred vision, or worse:

• Bacterial infections
• Corneal ulcers
• Inflammation (keratitis)

According to the CDC, people who sleep in their contact lenses are 6 to 8 times more likely to develop an eye infection.

“Sleeping in contacts is a bad idea — even just one night can risk infection.”

That’s why many contact wearers find themselves googling can you sleep in contact lenses when they’re caught without solution. If you’re reading this in a pinch, check out these safe emergency substitutes.

Extended Wear Lenses Are the Exception — Not the Rule

Some lenses are FDA-approved for extended wear, but even then, risks go up significantly with overnight use. Unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed extended wear contacts, assume yours are not meant to be slept in.

What to Do Instead

If you’re out of solution, try these safer options for overnight storage:

• Hydrogen peroxide kits (with a neutralizing case)
• Saline nasal spray
• Distilled water (in an emergency only)
• Homemade saline (sterilized and used with caution)

And remember — these are temporary fixes. Clean your lenses properly with real contact solution before putting them back in your eyes.

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Related Reading:

• How to Tell if Contacts Are in the Wrong Eye
• Does Visine Expire?