How is it possible that we're able to view light through our eyelids, being awake compared to asleep?

How is it possible that we're able to view light through our eyelids, being awake compared to asleep?
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Answer :

Perhaps it is because when you close your eyelids but still attempt to “see” (by that I mean look around with your eyeballs) your pupil is still facing forward and thus the light penetrates through the thinness of the eyelid or any gaps left. But when we sleep, I believe our eyes roll back or sideways or someway such that the pupil is not actively pointing to the front, thus it does not take in any light. Also, at nighttime there is less ambient light anyways. These are just my non-ophthalmologist thoughts :)
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