Swollen eyelids in the morning is a pretty common sight. Read on to know more on what causes it and how to get rid of it.
You often wake up with puffy swollen eyes, which return to normal only in a short while. The swelling subsides as the fluid that accumulates in the eyelids begins to drain as a result of the gravitational force. This minor swelling of eyelids is often accompanied by redness and itching. However, these symptoms of swollen eyelids should eliminate on their own, by afternoon.
What Causes Swollen Eyelids in the Morning
There are a variety of causes which lead to swollen eyelids. Some are of minor consequence, while others are more severe, which may require medical intervention.
Fluid Retention
Fluid retention is the most common cause of this condition. When you sleep, the fluid in the body tends to accumulate around eyes, which gives eyes a swollen and puffy appearance. This problem can be eliminated by sleeping in a position with your head elevated. Always use a pillow while sleeping and as far as possible try sleeping on your back.
Dehydration
Dehydration signals the body, that there is a paucity of water and that it should store it for crisis. This leads to accumulation of fluid in the body, as well as around the eyes. Also look out for swelling on the other parts of body, to confirm that the cause of swollen eyelids is indeed dehydration. Drinking adequate water may solve this problem.
Salty Food
Eating salty foods before going to bed is also a cause of swollen eyelids in the morning. The sodium in the salt is mainly responsible for water retention in the body. The solution to this problem is simple, avoid eating salty foods at night.
Alcohol
Alcohol lowers the levels of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), in the body. This hormone is responsible for re-absorption of water in the body, by the kidneys. Obviously, the low levels of this hormone lead to water retention in body. Thus, alcohol is the major cause of swollen eyelids after waking up in the morning. The levels of ADH return to normal by the same time as the effects of alcohol start wearing off.
Allergies
If you have got itchy swollen eyes, then allergy could be a possible cause. Swollen eyes allergy is mostly due to factors such as dust, pollen, food etc. Other factors that induce allergies are contact lenses, eye makeup, creams etc., all of which lead to swollen eyelids.
Crying
This is a common cause for swollen eyes. If you cried the night before and then slept, you are likely to get swollen, puffy eyelids that itch. If you rub your eyes to relieve itch, then it may induce redness. The swelling usually resolves on its own in a few hours after you wake up. You may try cold compresses to soothe the swollen eyelids.
Other Causes
Other causes of swollen eyes in the morning include:
- Age
- Hormonal imbalance
- High Blood Pressure
- Eyelid Dermatitis
- Insufficient sleep
Swollen Eyelid Treatment
- Always keep your head elevated while sleeping. This can be achieved by using a pillow.
- Place slices of cucumber on eyes. This reduces inflammation and redness.
- Dip a cotton pad in ice-cold water and place on your eyes. This helps to constrict the blood vessels, which reduces the swelling.
- Placing cold tea bags on eyes also helps to relieve the symptoms of swollen eyelids in the morning.
Swollen eyelids can be easily taken care of, with the help of some simple treatment. You should also take certain measures such as drinking adequate fluids, avoiding alcohol and salty foods at night and ensuring sufficient sleep. Also, do not forget to remove your makeup at night or switch to mineral makeup in order to avoid swollen eyes due to makeup. In spite of this, if you get swollen eyes very often, consult a physician.
