Can You Sleep in Contacts? Here’s What Eye Doctors Say

The Risks of Sleeping in Contacts

Most standard contact lenses are designed for daily wear only, meaning they should be removed before bedtime. Sleeping in them reduces oxygen flow to the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), which can cause dryness, irritation, or swelling. More concerning, it significantly raises the risk of eye infections, including corneal ulcers, which can permanently affect vision.

Athletes may already expose their eyes to sweat, dust, or environmental debris during play—factors that make nighttime lens wear even riskier. Simply put: leaving contacts in overnight adds unnecessary strain and increases the chance of problems.

Extended-Wear Contacts: The Exception

Some lenses are FDA-approved for extended wear, which means they can be worn while sleeping for several nights or even up to a week at a time. These lenses are made from breathable materials that allow more oxygen to reach the cornea.

Even with extended-wear lenses, though, eye doctors typically recommend caution. Regular checkups are essential to ensure eyes stay healthy, and many professionals still advise removing lenses at night whenever possible.

Best Practices for Athletes

Remove Daily Lenses: Take out standard daily or monthly lenses before sleeping, no matter how tired you are.

Follow Replacement Schedules: Don’t try to stretch daily lenses into multiple days or overwear monthly lenses.

Keep Lenses Clean: Always use fresh solution for cleaning and storing reusable lenses.

Listen to Your Eyes: If you notice discomfort, redness, or blurred vision, remove lenses immediately and consult an eye care provider.

Benefits of Properly Fitted Contact Lenses for Sports

When used correctly, well-fitted contact lenses provide athletes with:

• Clear, stable vision during fast-paced games.
• Freedom from fogging glasses or slipping frames.
• Comfort in helmets, goggles, or masks.
• Confidence to focus fully on performance, not eyewear.

Rest Easy, Play Hard

So, can you sleep in contacts? For most athletes, the safest answer is no—unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed extended-wear lenses. Prioritizing eye health by removing lenses at night ensures your vision stays sharp, your eyes stay healthy, and your performance on the field or court remains at its best.

Explore the Contact Lenses category on Goggles n More to learn more about options designed to keep up with active lifestyles.