Restoring Your Rest: A Guide to TED-Friendly Sleep

If you have Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), you already know that symptoms like eye bulging and eyelid retraction do not stop when the lights go out. These symptoms can prevent your eyes from closing fully at night, leading to intense pain and stinging that can make a good night's sleep feel impossible.

Beyond the physical symptoms, treatments like steroids can lead to problems with sleep, leaving many in the community feeling exhausted and "always waking up tired."¹

Setting up your "sleep sanctuary"

Creating an environment that promotes sleep can be a key part of "sleep hygiene." Small changes to your bedroom can make a big difference. Here are some suggestions:

• Control the Air: Air movement, such as from ceiling fans, can impair sleep and increase dryness.
• Optimize Light: Limit exposure to bright lights and electronics in the evening to avoid any light sensitivity symptoms.
• Add Humidity: Using a humidifier can help create a more comfortable environment for your eyes.
• Have Easy Access to Comfort Items: Every person's TED comfort items may vary. This may include eye drops or a sleep mask on your bedside table.

Finding your ideal bedtime

While there is no single "ideal" bedtime for everyone, many people have shared that their sleep habits have an impact on their TED symptoms.

Hear from other people with TED

In our ThyroidEyeDisease.net community, we like to create a safe space for people to connect. Some of our Health Leaders have written articles about sleep and TED. Feel free to check out some of these articles:

• My Experience with Sleep and Thyroid Eye Disease
• Discovering Eye Masks
• I Love You but Hotels Are Easier

Share your experience

Tell us more about your experience with sleep and thyroid eye disease. Respond to our forum below to connect with others in our community with tips for better sleep or challenges that you may experience.