I can't get to sleep, do I have to close my eyes first?

[Rhubarb]

Or not?

I used to have a dog that slept with its eyes open.

was it ceramic?

as far as i can remember yes you do.

No, you don't necessarily need to. Just lean against the nearest wall - personally, have recently found walls surprisingly comfortable.

My ds always slept with one eye open a bit when he was a baby

DS sleeps with his eyes half open, DD never shuts her eyes until she is asleep and the muscle relaxation seems to automatically close them.
I always shut mine first