What is the Connection Between Sleep and Your Eyes? | National Sleep Awareness Week

We all need a good night’s sleep. Although you might not think much is happening while you sleep, a lot is going on. Restful sleep helps us function better physically and mentally. 

If you routinely do not get enough sleep, it can adversely affect your body and mind, and that also includes your eyes. March 12th through the 18th is National Sleep Awareness Week. It is a reminder of why to make sleep a priority and how to get better rest. 
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What happens as we sleep? 

While you sleep, several important activities that promote good health are occurring, including the following:

• Hormones are released to regular body processes
• Cortisol levels are lowered
• Your brain sorts and processes information
• Your body’s immune system releases cytokines, which are proteins to fight infection
• Your eyes are allowed to rest 

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Short-term eye issues from lack of sleep

Your eyes need regular breaks. Think about all of your waking hours and how much you use your vision. When you don’t give your eyes the rest they need, it can show.

Poor sleep can cause several short-term eye issues. Although most effects do not interfere with vision, they can still be uncomfortable or unattractive.

Short-term eye issues from lack of sleep include:

• Dry eyes: When you do not get enough sleep, your eyes may not get adequate moisture to stay hydrated. The result is dry eyes.
• Dark circles: Are you short on sleep? If so, it can cause the blood vessels under your eyes to dilate. Because the skin under the eyes is thin, the blood vessels are visible, creating dark circles.
• Red irritated eyes: When you are missing sleep, it’s common to develop bloodshot and tired eyes.
• Eye twitches: Eye twitches are the brief involuntary movements you may feel under the eye or on the eyelid. They tend to occur more often if you are tired.

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More serious eye issues from sleep problems 

The eye issues above affect the appearance of your eye or cause temporary problems, such as dry eyes, but some sleep problems can have a significant impact on your eyes. For example, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, having sleep apnea increases your risk of developing glaucoma.

Sleep apnea involves brief pauses in breathing while you sleep. These pauses usually occur due to tissues in the back of the throat or the tongue blocking the airway as you sleep.

Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the reason why sleep apnea is a risk for glaucoma is not clear, but people that have the sleep disorder have an increased risk of glaucoma.

Recognizing the symptoms of sleep apnea is helpful in getting the needed treatment. Sleep apnea symptoms include:

• Snoring
• Daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Memory problems
• Irritability  

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Tips for better sleep 

Keep a schedule: Try to go to bed and wake at about the same time daily to set your natural sleep rhythm.

Cut the caffeine: Caffeine can stay in your system for several hours after you drink it. Caffeine too close to bed can make it difficult to fall asleep.

Skip screen time: Spending time online, playing games, or checking social media can stimulate your brain. The light from your devices can also trick your brain into thinking it is daytime, which reduces sleep hormones. 

Set the stage: Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature, noise proof, and dark.

See a sleep specialist: If you have problems falling or staying asleep for more than a few weeks, talk with your doctor. You may need to see a sleep specialist to rule out a sleep disorder.

We hope the information above helps you make sleep a priority. If you have any questions about eye health, we are happy to help.

If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.