The yellow discharge that gathers in the corners of your eyes after waking up, often called “sleep” or “eye discharge,” is entirely normal. It is made up of mucus, oils, dead skin cells, and dead bacteria. Your eyes naturally produce mucus and oils to stay moist, but since you don’t blink while sleeping, this material collects and forms in the corners of your eyes overnight.
The yellowish tint of the discharge is usually due to dead bacteria that your eyes fought off during the night. This reflects your body’s ability to clear out unwanted particles and maintain eye health. According to Andrew Huberman, this process is like a battle your eyes undergo while you sleep to protect themselves from potential harm.
In most cases, this discharge is harmless and a normal part of your body’s cleaning mechanism. However, if you notice excessive discharge, redness, itching, or burning in your eyes, it may indicate an infection such as conjunctivitis (pink eye). In such cases, medical attention may be needed to address the issue effectively.
Huberman adds an interesting perspective, comparing the discharge to the “casualties of a war” fought by your eyes overnight. It serves as a reminder of the constant effort your body puts into keeping your eyes healthy and free from irritants. This small detail highlights the remarkable ways your body works, even when you’re asleep.
