Next time you wipe sleep from your eyes, don’t cringe—celebrate. That slightly crusty residue is actually a badge of honor from your body’s overnight protection efforts, as a recent viral science lesson revealed.
Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman educated millions by explaining that morning eye discharge represents defeated microbes. “While you slept, your eyes trapped and killed bacteria,” he said. “What you wipe away is the evidence of that successful battle.”
This natural process occurs because our eyes produce protective mucus and oils that pool during sleep when we don’t blink. Normal discharge ranges from clear to pale yellow and may dry into crusts. The internet erupted with reactions, from pride (“Waking up victorious!”) to childhood confessions about playing with the substance.
Medical professionals emphasize that only changes in amount, color (particularly green), or accompanying pain signal potential problems like infections. For standard morning eye gunk? It’s just your body doing its job—a nighttime security system that leaves its daily report in the corners of your eyes.
