People disturbed after realising what yellow stuff in your eyes when you wake up actually is

Why You Wake Up with That Yellow Goop in Your Eyes

We’ve all experienced it: that crusty, yellowish gunk sitting in the corners of your eyes when you first wake up. Known casually as “sleep,” this harmless but curious substance is medically referred to as eye discharge. But what exactly is it—and why does it form overnight?

According to neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, eye discharge is made up of mucus, oils, dead skin cells, and something a bit more dramatic: dead bacteria. That’s right—your body spends the night defending your eyes, and that yellow goop? It’s the aftermath of a microscopic battle.

What’s Happening While You Sleep

During the day, blinking plays a crucial role in clearing debris and keeping your eyes moist and protected. But when you’re asleep, your eyelids remain shut and inactive. This limits your eyes’ natural ability to flush out waste. As a result, all the mucus and cellular debris that your eyes would normally expel during the day gets pushed into the inner corners overnight, forming that familiar crust.

Huberman likens it to the “casualties of war”—a quiet war happening behind your closed lids. As you rest, your immune system is still wide awake, fighting off bacteria and environmental irritants that might have entered your eyes throughout the day. The yellowish tint comes from dead white blood cells and the bacteria they’ve destroyed—a vivid sign of your immune system at work.

When It’s Normal vs. When It’s Not

In small amounts, eye discharge is totally normal and even a sign that your body is keeping your eyes clean and protected. But if you notice more discharge than usual, or if it’s accompanied by symptoms like:

• Redness or swelling

• Itching or burning

• Green or gray discharge

• Blurred vision or light sensitivity

…it could point to an underlying issue like conjunctivitis (pink eye) or another infection, and you should seek medical advice.

A New Way to Look at Eye Gunk

Next time you wake up and instinctively rub that little glob from the corner of your eye, consider what it actually represents. It’s not just gunk—it’s a sign that your body has been protecting you all night. Your immune system has been standing guard, cleaning house, and making sure your eyes stay clear and healthy for the day ahead.

So, what might have seemed gross before now takes on new meaning. That yellow goop? It’s evidence of your body doing its job, silently and efficiently—even while you sleep.