Can You Sleep With Contacts In?

Yes, you can sleep with contacts in, but only if they're designed for extended wear and nighttime use. These special night and day contacts allow more oxygen to reach your eyes to protect them and help you stay comfortable.

Here are some contacts that are designed for sleeping:

• Air Optix Night & Day Aqua

• ACUVUE OASYS

• Biofinity

• Bausch + Lomb ULTRA

Not all contacts are safe for sleeping. And even if you have contacts that are FDA-approved for overnight wear, you might not want to sleep in them if you can avoid it. (We'll get to that.) These contacts can still cause eye problems in some people — you'll definitely want to talk to your eye care professional to see if the convenience is worth the risk.

Can you sleep in contacts?

You can sleep in your contacts but only when they're extended-wear contacts that are designed specifically for safe sleeping. You should also get the go-ahead from your eye care professional because not everyone can sleep safely in contacts. (Better to be safe, right?)

So, how do you know if your contacts are designed for sleeping? First of all, make sure they're made for extended and continuous wear. That means that it's okay to wear them both night and day.

You can check the package, ask your doctor, or check to see if the FDA has approved them for overnight use. The contacts we listed above all have the thumbs-up from the FDA, but it's always a good idea to make sure nothing has changed.

Can you sleep in daily contacts? Sadly, the answer is no. You should always take out your dailies before you go to sleep.

If you're tired of taking your contacts out at night and before naps, we get it. During your next eye exam, bring it up with your eye care professional. They'll be able to tell you if sleeping in contacts is a safe option for you — and if it is, they can recommend the right type of lenses.

How long can you sleep with contacts in?

How long you can sleep with contacts in varies by brand. For example, Air Optix Night & Day Aqua are designed for up to 30 nights of continuous wear. Other types, including ACUVUE OASYS, Biofinity, and Bausch + Lomb ULTRA, are only rated for up to 6 nights and 7 days.

Of course, those are the maximum limits. In reality, you probably don't want to wear contacts for that many nights in a row. Even when contacts are designed for overnight use, they can still increase your risk of eye issues.

What happens if you sleep with contacts that aren’t designed for it?

Sleeping with contacts that aren't made for extended wear can cause a whole range of eye problems. The lenses reduce the flow of oxygen to your eyes, which can cause problems like blurry vision, redness, irritation, and burning. (Ouch.) And because contacts disrupt your natural tear film — a layer of moisture that protects your eyes — sleeping in them can lead to dryness.

The biggest problem with sleeping in contacts, though, is that it makes you six to eight times more likely to get an eye infection. That's because your lenses can trap bacteria and debris, causing issues like microbial keratitis.

In serious cases, sleeping in contacts can cause corneal abrasions, which are scratches. You could also get a corneal ulcer, where an open sore develops on the surface of your eye. (Yes, you read that correctly.) These issues can cause lasting damage and vision problems.

Sleeping in contacts can even be risky when you're wearing contacts that are approved for overnight use. It's essential to talk to your eye care professional first, clean your contacts regularly, and follow the manufacturer's wearing schedules carefully.

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Is it okay to sleep with contacts in for one night?

Sleeping in contacts that aren't made for extended wear, even if it's just for one night, can increase your risk of infection and eye damage. Extended-wear lenses help reduce this risk, but they don't take it away completely.

Sometimes, though, it's not possible to take your contacts out for the night. You might lose or forget your storage case and contact solution or find yourself in a situation where they're not available. And if you need to be able to see clearly — if you're driving, for example, or camping in the wilderness — it might not be an option to go without contacts.

When this happens, you'll have to make a choice. You may need to risk sleeping in your contacts for safety.

Don't panic, though. (We know, it's easier said than done.) Just take out your contacts as soon as possible and let your eye care professional know if you notice any discomfort or changes in your vision.

Can you take a 20-minute nap with contacts?

Even when you're taking a short nap, it's still a good idea to remove your contacts if they're not designed for extended wear. If you take a nap with contacts in accidentally, remove them and clean them as soon as you wake up. This helps remove any nasty bacteria or debris.

Consider taking it a step further and leaving your contacts out for a while. This gives your eyes a chance to rest. (Just make sure to find your backup glasses first.)

Consider extended-wear contacts if you need to sleep in your lenses

For some people, it's not always practical to remove contacts before a nap or a night of sleep. If you're a firefighter or an on-call doctor, for example, you might need to see immediately after waking up. The same could be true when you're caring for sick kids.

If you need to sleep in your contacts on occasion, you might consider switching to extended-wear lenses. They can reduce your risk of infections and damage, so you can protect your eyesight. Talk to your eye care professional for guidance and a prescription.

Already have a prescription? Renew it with an online vision exam, and head to 1-800 Contacts to shop for contacts in the same brand your eye care professional prescribed.

 

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts! 

Original published date: 1/24/2020 

Updated: 1/12/2026