The hours and days after LASIK are critical to your recovery. While the procedure itself is brief and usually painless, the healing that happens afterward plays a key role in the quality of your results. One part of recovery that many patients overlook is how they sleep. The way you sleep – your posture, surroundings, and even habits – can influence healing, comfort, and safety.
Here’s what to expect when it comes to sleeping after LASIK, and what you can do to support your recovery while you rest.
Why Sleep Matters After LASIK?
Sleep isn’t just good for rest – it also supports healing. After LASIK, your body begins working right away to repair and adjust. During sleep, your eyes aren’t exposed to light, screens, wind, or dust. That gives them a break and helps them recover in a controlled, calm environment.
Most patients notice clearer vision within the first 24 hours, but your eyes are still adapting. Sleep helps reduce strain, keeps your eyes moisturized, and gives your vision a better chance of improving quickly and smoothly.
Can You Sleep After LASIK?
Yes – and you should. In fact, most doctors encourage patients to go home and rest right after their procedure. Napping or sleeping during the first few hours can also help you avoid the initial burning or stinging sensation that’s common in the first few hours after surgery.
Some patients feel so relaxed after LASIK (especially if a mild sedative was given beforehand) that falling asleep is easy. Others may feel a little more alert. Either way, it’s best to rest in a quiet, dark room and avoid any unnecessary eye movement or exposure.
Sleeping the Day of Your Surgery
When you get home after LASIK, avoid looking at screens, reading, or anything that could cause eye strain. You might feel tired – and that’s a good thing. Even a few hours of sleep can make a noticeable difference.
Most doctors recommend wearing protective eye shields while you sleep, especially during the first few nights. These shields prevent you from rubbing your eyes while you sleep or accidentally pressing on them during the night. They’re usually soft, lightweight, and held in place with medical tape.
Best Sleeping Positions After LASIK
The goal is to keep pressure off your eyes and avoid accidental contact. Here’s how to sleep safely in the days following LASIK:
1. Sleep on Your Back
Sleeping on your back is the safest and most recommended position. It prevents pressure on your eyes and minimizes the risk of rolling onto your face or rubbing your eyes against a pillow. If you’re not naturally a back sleeper, consider using a small pillow under your knees or a travel neck pillow to keep yourself from turning during the night.
2. Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach or Side
Sleeping on your stomach can place direct pressure on your eyes. Even with eye shields, this position increases the chance of disturbing your healing. Side sleeping isn’t much better—it still risks contact with pillows and bed linens.
If you’re someone who changes positions often during the night, you might try placing extra pillows around your body to help keep yourself in place. It may take a night or two to adjust, but it’s a worthwhile effort.
How Long Should You Use Eye Shields?
Protective eye shields should be worn while sleeping for at least five to seven nights after LASIK. Some doctors recommend wearing them for up to two weeks, especially if you’re a restless sleeper. During the day, you don’t need the shields, but you should still avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
After that initial week, you can stop wearing the shields as long as you’re not experiencing any irritation or sleeping in a way that risks contact with your eyes.
Dry Eyes and Nighttime Relief
Temporary dryness is common after LASIK, especially at night when blinking slows down. You may wake up with a gritty or dry sensation. To help manage this:
- Use preservative-free artificial tears as recommended by your doctor before bed.
- Run a humidifier in your bedroom to maintain moisture in the air.
- Avoid ceiling fans or air vents blowing directly on your face while you sleep.
Your doctor will likely provide or recommend lubricating drops as part of your aftercare. Use them as directed, even if your eyes feel fine.
What If You Accidentally Rub Your Eyes While Sleeping?
It happens. That’s one reason eye shields are strongly encouraged for the first several nights. If you do wake up after rubbing your eyes or notice irritation, contact your doctor. A quick check can confirm whether everything is still healing properly.
While many patients won’t do any damage with a single touch, it’s still better to play it safe and report any unusual symptoms, especially if your vision seems different afterward.
Sleep Hygiene Tips for Recovery
Creating a calm, sleep-friendly environment can help your body – and your eyes – recover more efficiently.
- Dim the lights in the evening to help your body prepare for sleep.
- Avoid screens for several hours before bedtime, especially during the first week.
- Stay hydrated, but avoid caffeine late in the day.
- Stick to your regular sleep schedule as much as possible to support overall healing.
Rest is one of the best things you can give your eyes in the first week following LASIK. Treat sleep as part of your recovery – not just a break from the day.
When Can You Return to Your Normal Sleeping Routine?
Within a week or two, most patients can return to their regular sleep habits – whether that means side sleeping, skipping the eye shields, or using different bedding. If your recovery is progressing normally and you’re not experiencing dryness, irritation, or other symptoms, your sleep restrictions will likely be lifted after your post-op checkups.
Even then, try to avoid rubbing your eyes or pressing on them while you sleep, especially in the first month. The clearer your vision becomes, the easier it is to forget you’ve had surgery—but your eyes will still be adjusting.
Supporting Your Eyes Long-Term
LASIK recovery continues even after the initial days have passed. Your vision may stabilize quickly, but your eyes may still feel sensitive for a few weeks. Getting enough sleep – and sleeping well – will always benefit your eye health.
Stick to the recovery timeline your doctor provides, attend your follow-up appointments, and reach out if anything feels unusual. Healing varies from person to person, but sleeping safely in the first few nights helps set the tone for smooth progress.
Ready to take the next step toward clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with SuraVision today to discuss your options and learn more about the LASIK process. Call us at 713-730-2020 or book your appointment online!