Feeling sleepy after LASIK surgery is a normal part of the healing process. The combination of mild sedation, screen strain, and your body’s natural repair work can leave you feeling drowsy for the first 24 to 48 hours. This guide explains why you feel sleepy, what to expect in terms of recovery, and how to manage this period at home.
This blog covers the causes of post-LASIK sleepiness, the recovery timeline, and tips for managing it effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Sleepiness after LASIK is common due to mild sedation, healing, and screen strain.
- The first 24–48 hours post-surgery are crucial for rest and recovery.
- Managing screen time and using artificial tears can help reduce fatigue.
- Seek medical advice if fatigue continues or is accompanied by worsening vision or pain.
How LASIK and Sedation Can Make You Feel Sleepy?
LASIK numbs the eye with drops, and some clinics may administer a mild oral sedative like diazepam to keep you calm. These sedatives can cause drowsiness for several hours. While the local anesthesia blocks surface pain, mental fatigue remains, which can make you feel drained. Many clinics encourage a protected nap after the procedure, especially when light sedation is used.
What does this Mean for Day 0?
On the day of surgery, you may feel drowsy and want to rest. As the numbing drops wear off, you might feel gritty or experience tearing. It’s normal to want to sleep, and you should keep your eye shields on during this time. A family member or friend can track your drop times while you rest. Sleep aids recovery and reduces the urge to touch your eyes, which is important for healing.
The Normal Healing Timeline for Post-LASIK Sleepiness
Here’s what to expect in terms of energy levels during recovery:
- Day 0: Rest and nap, avoid bright lights, and limit screen use.
- Day 1: Short tasks, wear sunglasses outside, no makeup or dusty spaces.
- Day 2–3: Energy improves as light sensitivity eases, and fatigue starts to fade.
- Weeks 1–4: Dryness may linger, but using lubricants and taking breaks helps.
Many clinics recommend avoiding screens for at least 24 hours. Gradually increase screen time based on comfort level. If fatigue worsens or pairs with worse vision, contact your surgeon.
Why Dryness Ties to Fatigue?
Dry eyes are the most common side effect of LASIK. A dry surface causes blurry vision and can make your eyelids feel heavy, which invites naps. Using preservative-free artificial tears and maintaining a humid room can help manage dryness. As you treat the surface, your energy will often improve as well.
Drops, Pain Pills, and Medicines That Link to Sleepiness
Your prescribed drops, including antibiotics and steroids, do not cause drowsiness. However, oral antihistamines and some pain medications, including opioids, can. If you experience excessive sleepiness from pain pills, let your surgical team know so they can adjust your medication plan.
A Quick Medication Check
Before surgery, bring a full list of prescriptions and supplements. Ask your surgeon which medications might cause sleepiness or dryness. Some clinics offer a small dose of diazepam on surgery day to help with sedation. Be sure to have a ride and rest planned before surgery.
Behavioral Triggers Tied to Feeling Sleepy After LASIK
Screen use can strain a healing surface and increase fatigue. The blue light and low blink rate from screens dry the tear film and nudge you toward a nap. Stick to a simple screen plan:
- Day 1: Limit screen time.
- Day 2: Brief checks with long breaks.
- Day 3: Longer screen sessions using the 20-20-20 rule.
Also, manage anxiety by practicing deep breathing, staying hydrated, and eating balanced meals to restore energy.
Simple Screen Plan
Follow this simple screen plan to avoid straining your eyes:
- Day 1: Limit screen use; brief checks if comfortable.
- Day 2: Use screens in short bursts with long breaks.
- Day 3: Longer screen time with breaks, following the 20-20-20 rule.
Quick Self-Care to Manage Post-LASIK Sleepiness
- Rest with shields on for 2–4 hours after surgery.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears as directed.
- Limit screen use for the first 24 hours.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule once you start using screens again.
- Wear sunglasses outside to protect from bright light.
- Do not rub your eyes and keep them protected during sleep.
When Sleepiness Should Prompt a Call?
Sleepiness alone is common, but call your surgeon immediately if you experience:
- Severe eye pain that doesn’t ease with painkillers.
- Worsening vision or sudden vision loss.
- Thick discharge, rising redness, or fever.
- Nausea with vision change, new light flashes, or a curtain in side vision.
- Sharp headaches with eye pain.
What Does the Team Check?
Your surgical team will check for flap issues, pressure spikes, or rare nerve pain. Early checks protect your vision and can reduce stress, helping with your energy and recovery.
Bottom Line
Sleepiness after LASIK is normal and occurs due to sedation, surface strain, and your body’s healing process. Proper rest, screen habits, and eye care can reduce fatigue. If symptoms worsen, stay in touch with your surgeon for further guidance.
FAQs: Sleepiness After LASIK
How long can the sleepy feeling last?
Day 0 feels sleepy for many. By day 1 or 2, energy rises. Call if fatigue grows after day 3.
Do I need to avoid coffee on surgery day?
A small cup is fine unless your surgeon said no. Large doses can dry the surface, so keep intake modest.
Can eye drops make me drowsy?
The standard antibiotic and steroid drops do not. Oral antihistamines and some pain pills can.
Is it safe to nap right away?
Yes. Napping protects the flap and eases discomfort. Use shields and set alarms for drop times.
When should I worry?
Call your surgeon right away for severe pain, vision changes, thick discharge, or fever.