People Disturbed After Realising What Yellow Stuff In Your Eyes When You Wake Up Actually Is
There’s nothing quite like sinking into bed after a long, exhausting day. That deep sigh of relief, the blissful stillness, and then—drift off to sleep. But fast-forward to the next morning, and things get a little… less glamorous.
You roll out of bed, stumble to the mirror, and—bam—there it is: a crusty little collection of yellow goop clinging to the corners of your eyes. We’ve all experienced it. Most of us just wipe it away and move on. But have you ever stopped to wonder what it actually is?
The Gross Truth (That’s Weirdly Satisfying)
Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman recently explained the phenomenon in a viral TikTok video that left viewers stunned:
“That crust, that kind of yellowy stuff… that’s actually dead bacteria that your eyes have successfully defeated during your night’s sleep.”
Yep, that’s right. That harmless little crust is basically the remains of a microscopic battle your body won while you were dreaming. As you sleep, your eyes continue to protect themselves, producing a mixture of oils, mucus, and immune cells to flush out unwanted bacteria or debris. And since you’re not blinking to clear it away like you would during the day, it gathers in the corners—like tiny victory medals for your immune system.
What’s Normal Eye Discharge?
Eye goop can vary in color and consistency, depending on things like allergies, hydration, or even your sleep habits. Common types include:
- Crusty or flaky
- Sticky or stringy
- Clear, white, or slightly yellow
All of these are considered normal in small amounts—nothing to worry about.
But When Is It Not Normal?
If you wake up with lots of yellow or green pus, especially if your eyes are red, itchy, burning, or stuck shut, it could be a sign of conjunctivitis (aka pink eye)—a common eye condition caused by infection or allergies.
How to Ease Conjunctivitis Symptoms (NHS-Recommended Tips)
If you think you’re dealing with more than just sleep crust:
- Gently clean your eyelids using cooled boiled water and a cotton pad (use a new one for each eye).
- Soothe irritation by holding a cool, clean flannel over your eyes for a few minutes.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, and wash your hands frequently to prevent spreading.
Final Thought
So, next time you wake up and spot that crusty stuff in your eyes, don’t be grossed out—be proud. It’s your body’s way of saying, “While you were sleeping, I handled things.” You’re starting the day with a microscopic win!
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