We’ve all woken up with that crusty yellow stuff in the corners of our eyes—but have you ever stopped to wonder what it actually is?
That “sleep” or eye gunk is more than just an annoyance. According to neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, it’s a combination of mucus, oils, dead skin cells—and surprisingly, dead bacteria your body has fought off while you slept.
💡 What’s Really Going On?
While you’re snoozing, your eyes are still working behind the scenes to protect themselves. They produce oils and mucus to stay lubricated. But since you’re not blinking during sleep, that protective mixture doesn’t get cleared away—it settles in the corners of your eyes.
The yellowish tint? That’s the remains of bacteria your immune system neutralized overnight. Kind of gross? Maybe. But it’s also pretty amazing—your body is doing a cleanup job while you rest.
Huberman puts it like this: it’s like waking up to the “casualties of a microscopic battle.” Not a bad way to look at it.
⚠️ When to Be Concerned
While some eye discharge in the morning is totally normal, pay attention if it changes. If you notice:
- Thick, greenish or gray discharge
- Redness or swelling
- Itching or a burning sensation
…it could be a sign of an infection like pink eye and may require medical attention.
🧼 Final Thoughts
Next time you rub that “sleep” from your eyes, remember—it’s a sign your body’s defense system is doing its job. Kind of heroic, actually.
