Do you frequently wake up in the morning and see puffy bags of skin under your eyes? Are you worried about meeting people before your eye returns to its normal state? Don't worry. There are ways to avoid this from happening altogether! If you woke up with swollen eyes, it could be due to quite a number of reasons. Below we will discuss these reasons and how to deal with a puffy eye in the morning.
Woke Up with Swollen Eyes, Why?
It is very irritating to wake up day after day with swollen eyes, but it is only the result of a few lifestyle choices that can be easily altered. So, what can be done?
1. Fluid Retention
Yeah those baggy eyes could simply be a result of fluid collecting in one place. While the body rests, liquid in the body begins collecting around the eyes, making them puffy. Raising the head above the body can help enlist gravity to fight this battle for you, and prevent retention of fluids around the eyes.
2. Dehydration
When the body feels dehydrated, it begins conserving water. In this event, the body starts collecting water in different places like the eyes, which causes them to appear puffy. Regular intake of water can prevent this from occurring.
3. Salty Food
The salt in last night's dinner could be a likely culprit for your puffy eyes at breakfast. Sodium present in salt causes the body to retain water and the rest as they say is history. Avoiding salty food at night can be a simple fix to your early morning beauty woes.
4. Alcohol
If you woke up with swollen eyes after an alcohol-filled weekend, then you should know that it is not a coincidence. Alcohol has the ability to reduce the secretion of a hormone that is vital in controlling water absorption. The water that is not absorbed quickly collects around your eyes, letting the world know you have a hangover. As the alcohol leaves your system, water absorption continues normally.
5. Allergies
Sometimes a histamine reaction could be responsible for swelling around the eyes. If the swelling itches as well, it is highly likely that it is an allergic reaction to something in your immediate environment. Allergies could also be caused as an adverse reaction to some cosmetic products or from use of contact lenses.
6. Crying
Crying before sleep can leave tell-tale puffy eyes in the morning. Eyes may itch as well in the morning and rubbing them will cause reddening. The swelling should subside in a few hours after waking up. However, using compresses dipped in cold water can accelerate the process.
7. Lack of Sleep
Lack of sleep has long been associated with dark circles; however, it can also explain why you woke up with swollen eyes. Insufficient rest can cause parts of the body to inflame, especially the blood vessels under the eyes to dilate and get pressed against the skin, causing a puffy appearance.
8. Bad Sleeping Positions
The position you sleep in has a great role to play in fluid retention around the eyes. Sleeping on your back with your head raised will prevent the accumulation of liquids close to the eyes, which is best if you want to avoid swollen eyes.
9. Other Causes
Some other possible reasons are:
- Dermatitis of the eyelid
- Advanced age
- High Blood Pressure
- Imbalance in hormonal levels
What to Do If You Wake Up with Swollen Eye
The above measures are preventive but if you wake up one fine morning only to notice puffy eyes, don't let that drag you down, there are quite a few ways to remedy this situation.
1. Drink Enough Water
From the above points it may be clear how fluids play a big role in causing that puffy eye, so staying hydrated can be a strong solution.
- How It Helps: Water can help release toxins from the body and hydration will prevent the body from retaining water.
- How to Apply: Drinking 8 to 10 cups of water is a prudent step and one must avoid beverages that dehydrate the body.
2. Try Cold Compress
Ever woke up with swollen eyes? Try cold compress. It can bring instant relief to puffy eyes.
- How It Helps: Applying a cold compress will help loosen blood vessels and firm up the skin surrounding the eyes.
- How to Apply: Cool 6 metal spoons in the refrigerator of 15 minutes. Apply the rounded surface directly on the eye. When one spoon turns warm replace it with a cold one.
3. Apply Tea Bag
Used tea bags can have a second life as a remedy for those swollen eyes.
- How It Helps: Green and black tea leaves have special properties that can provide relief to inflammations. They can help lower swelling about the eyes.
- How to Apply: Chill used tea bags in the refrigerator for half an hour. Tilt your head back and apply them on your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat twice daily.
4. Use Cucumber Slices
Cold cucumbers can help reduce swelling, wrinkles and dark circles.
- How It Helps: Cucumber has astringent properties and can be used to lessen swelling and make skin tight.
- How to Apply: Cool thick slices of cucumber in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Apply these cold slices on your eyes for 10 minutes. Repeat as necessary.
5. Try Egg White
While not the first choice for people sensitive to smells, egg whites could be useful for when you woke up with swollen eyes.
- How It Helps: Astringent properties of egg whites help in tightening the skin about your eyes.
- How to Apply: Separate the whites of 2 eggs and whip it till you get a uniform mixture. Add a couple of drops of witch hazel and apply the mixture with a soft brush. Let the mixture dry for 15 minutes.
6. Use Potato
Potatoes also moonlights as a swollen eye remedy.
- How It Helps: Potatoes contain starch, which can reduce the swelling of eyes due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- How to Apply: Peel and grate a potato. Collect the shavings in a clean cloth and apply this package over your eyes for several minutes. Repeat this process as necessary.
7. Apply Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is yet another useful remedy if you ever woke up with swollen eyes.
- How It Helps: Aloe vera contains vitamin E and antioxidants which help reduce swelling by promoting blood circulation.
- How to Apply: An aloe vera gel can be applied on the region around the eye. Care should be taken to prevent the gel from entering the eye.
A swollen eye need not be a damper on your early morning mood. These remedies will ensure you never have to face the ignominy of puffy eyes again.