How to prevent eye swelling the next day after crying at night
Jan 07, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
Generally speaking, eyes tend to swell more after crying at night than after crying during the day—this may be related to lying down to sleep afterward. As a precaution, try to avoid lying down while crying; after crying, it’s best to sit for a while before lying down to sleep. After crying at night, don’t rush to bed immediately—instead, go to the bathroom and wash your face with cold water.
Crying is an effective way to release negative emotions. In daily life, we often shed tears when encountering distressing or sorrowful events—especially at night, when our emotional vulnerability is heightened. Crying in response to sadness is a perfectly normal emotional expression; however, excessive crying can easily lead to periorbital swelling—a consequence many people wish to avoid the following day. So, how can you prevent eye swelling after crying at night? Let’s explore some practical solutions.
How to Prevent Eye Swelling the Next Day After Crying at Night
Avoid Lying Down Immediately After Crying
Generally, eyes tend to swell more noticeably after nighttime crying than after daytime crying—possibly because lying down while sleeping after crying promotes fluid accumulation around the eyes. For safety, try to avoid lying down while crying. After crying, sit upright for a while before lying down to sleep.
Wash Your Face with Cold Water Immediately
After crying at night, don’t rush straight to bed. Instead, go to the bathroom and wash your face thoroughly with cold water. This helps lower local skin temperature and provides immediate soothing relief to the eyes.
Apply Continuous Cold Compresses
Crying causes pressure on the blood vessels surrounding the eyes, leading to redness and swelling. Cold compresses are the most direct and effective method for reducing swelling. Use a cold, damp towel to gently cover your eyes until the sensation of grittiness or visible blood vessels subsides. Note: Apply the cold compress only after washing your face with cold water.
Alternatively, you can use a chilled spoon to help reduce swelling: Place a metal spoon in the freezer for about 10 minutes, then gently press the curved surface against your closed eyelids. Once the spoon warms up, re-chill it and repeat. This method also yields good decongestive results.
Use Eye Masks
Many women keep facial masks or eye patches at home for skincare purposes. To minimize morning puffiness, chill a mask or eye patch in the refrigerator for a few minutes until it feels pleasantly cool—then apply it to your eyes. Opt for varieties containing anti-inflammatory ingredients such as chamomile or green tea for enhanced effectiveness.
We hope the above suggestions prove helpful. Wishing you a joyful and healthy life!
