Sleeping with your eyes open? or at least your eyelids only partially closed, is called nocturnal lagophthalmos. When your eyelids do not fully close, your eyes are exposed to the open atmosphere. Because they function to lubricate the surface of your eyes, your eyes begin to dry out significantly.

Causes of Nocturnal Lagophthalmos

It may sound strange, but nocturnal lagophthalmos is actually considered a form of facial paralysis; it involves the orbicularis muscle in the eyelid and may be temporary or permanent. It can be caused by several things including Bell's Palsy, infection, stroke, surgery, and trauma. 

Treatment of Nocturnal Lagophthalmos

Treatment usually involves artificial tear eye drops given several times per day along with instillation of a bland eye gel or ointment at bedtime. To prevent the eyelid from opening at night, medical grade hypoallergenic tape may be gently applied to the eyelid to keep it closed. A mask worn over the eyes may also help. Your doctor may also recommend that you turn down or turn off ceiling fans.