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Disturbing Reason You Wake Up With Yellow Stuff In Your Eyes
People have been left disturbed after finding out what the yellow stuff in their eyes is when they wake up in the morning.
The internet has become fascinated and slightly grossed out after a viral TikTok revealed what that yellowish crust – often called ‘sleep,’ ‘eye boogers,’ or ‘gunk’ – really is.
Most of us wipe it away each morning without much thought, but a recent explanation has left people stunned.
Where did the idea of the ‘sandman’ eye dust come from?
We all know that Mr. Sandman is the one who brings us a dream – but he’s also said to be the one who fills our eyes with that weird yellow ‘sandy’ gunk.
As per Sleepopolis: ‘His magic dust keeps their eyes closed so kids can stay sleeping and dreaming. When they woke up with those crusties in their eyes, it was a sign that the Sandman had visited during the night and brought good dreams.’
However, we all know that it’s not actually sand.
But on that note, what actually is it?
What is the yellow stuff in your eyes?
Stanford University neuroscientist and professor of ophthalmology, Dr. Andrew Huberman, revealed the gross truth about the yellow gunk in your eyes in a viral TikTok.
He explained that it is a sign that ‘your eyes have successfully defeated bacteria in your sleep.’
“So when you wipe those away, you’re taking the casualties of a war that you won during your night’s sleep and whisking them away,” he said.
In response, one commenter joked: “I refuse to lose even when I’m sleeping.”
Another added: “Starting the day with a victory.”
“Starting the day feeling like Genghis Khan!” laughed a third.
“So if I don’t have it I lost the war?” one asked. “Damn…”
Why do we get yellow stuff in our eyes?
The Cleveland Clinic provides an even more in-depth explanation as to why we get yellow stuff in our eyes.
Dr. Melissa Young explained: “During the day, we’re frequently blinking and washing away dirt, dust, exfoliated skin cells and mucus.
“When you’re sleeping, you’re not blinking, so all of that mucus, oil, dirt and skin cells accumulate in the corners of your eyes.”
Is eye gunk ever a sign of infection or something serious?
Just because your eyes have dealt with the bacteria overnight doesn’t mean you’re totally safe from infection.
Dr. Young advises you to be careful when cleaning the sleep out of your eyes in the morning.
“Using a washcloth that’s been soaked with warm water is a safe, easy way to clean your eyes in the morning,” she said.
“And it has the added benefit of keeping you from touching your eyes, which is one way to transmit bacteria to your eyes.”
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