Why do we rub our eyes when we are tired?

Tired eyes often experience dryness, which can be uncomfortable and distracting. This dryness occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. In response to this discomfort, rubbing the eyes can stimulate the lacrimal glands, which are responsible for tear production, to generate more fluid. This reflex action is the body's natural way of trying to relieve the sensation of dryness and irritation.