Puffy Eyes in the Morning: Causes and How to Deal with It

Have you ever noticed that you wake up with puffy eyes? This is a fairly common occurrence that can be caused by a variety of factors. While it is often just a cosmetic issue, in some cases, eye swelling may require attention. If you regularly experience this problem in the morning, it’s worth understanding its causes.

Excess Salt in the Diet

One of the most common reasons for morning eye swelling is excessive consumption of salty foods. Salt, which is rich in sodium, contributes to fluid retention in the body. This happens due to an imbalance between sodium and potassium in the cells. Excess water accumulates in the tissues, especially around the eyes, where the skin is thin and sensitive. Reduce your salt intake and drink more water to restore the body’s water balance. Pay attention to the composition of processed foods, as they often contain hidden salt that we don’t even think about.

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol dilates blood vessels, causing fluid retention in the tissues. In such cases, drinking enough water before bed and after waking up can help remove alcohol from the body more quickly. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated on a pillow can also help fluid drain more freely from the eye area.

Allergies

Seasonal allergies are one of the main reasons why eyes may become puffy in the morning. There may be allergens in your bedroom, such as a new detergent for washing bed linen or houseplants. Sleeping with open windows can allow pollen and other allergens to enter the room.

Rubbing the Eyes

Many of us instinctively rub our eyes upon waking, which can traumatize the delicate eyelid skin and cause swelling or inflammation. To avoid such consequences, it’s best to break this habit. Instead, try using cold compresses or eye patches after waking up.

Increased Anxiety and Stress

If you experience tension at work or have personal life problems, it can also affect the appearance of your eyes. Stress leads to an increase in cortisol levels, which disrupts sodium balance in the body and causes fluid retention. Crying the night before can also lead to morning puffiness. To reduce stress, it’s helpful to exercise regularly.

Contact Lenses

Sleeping in contact lenses promotes bacterial growth between the lens and the surface of the eye, leading to inflammation and swelling. Even if you are extremely tired, it is crucial to always remove your lenses before bed and follow proper eye hygiene.

Lack of Sleep

If you regularly suffer from insomnia and wake up with puffy eyes, the cause is most likely a lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation causes fluid retention, leading to puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. To improve your sleep quality, follow a consistent schedule, avoid screens and blue light from gadgets at least one to two hours before bed, and take a warm bath before sleep to relax your body.

Insufficient Water Intake

If you don’t drink enough water throughout the day, your body tends to retain fluid, making morning eye puffiness more pronounced. It’s best to avoid coffee and tea in the evening since they have a diuretic effect. Setting reminders on your phone can help you drink water more frequently during the day.

How to Get Rid of Eye Puffiness

Cold compresses are very effective for reducing puffiness. Try using frozen black tea bags, which constrict blood vessels and have antioxidant properties. Fresh cucumber slices are also effective as they hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation. A massage with a special roller can improve circulation around the eyes, reducing swelling and fighting dark circles.

For additional care, it is recommended to use creams and patches with ingredients such as caffeine, vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and cucumber. To visually conceal puffiness and dark circles, use a concealer in a suitable shade.

Read also: How to Use Grapefruit in Facial Care.