Waking up with crusty eyes might feel gross, but it’s actually a normal—and even healthy—process. That yellowish gunk is a mix of mucus, oils, and dead bacteria your eyes trapped and eliminated overnight.
Since blinking stops during sleep, natural eye secretions accumulate and dry out. Most of the time, this discharge is harmless and easily wiped away. However, if it’s excessive, causes redness, or sticks to your lashes, it could signal conjunctivitis.
The NHS suggests simple home care for irritated eyes: gently clean lids with cooled boiled water and use a cold compress for comfort. But for regular morning crust? Consider it proof your body’s defenses never take a night off.
As one amused social media user put it: “I refuse to lose, even when I’m sleeping.”
