Sleep is essential for the health of every organ in your body, including your eyes. Sleep ensures that your eyes are properly hydrated and rested in order to work at their best. Not getting enough sleep can impact your eyes and raise your chances of developing mild to severe side effects. Joel H. McGahen, OD, a reputable eye care provider, explains how bad sleeping patterns can affect your general eye health.
Lack of Sleep and Eye Health
Although every adult’s sleep demands are different, most doctors agree that getting between seven to nine hours of sleep is ideal. However, in today’s world, that can be tough to do. A lack of sleep not only affects daily life but can also cause long-term eyesight difficulties. Sleep deprivation can cause a variety of eye-related issues, including the following:
- Itchy, red, watery eyes
- Eye spasms or twitches (myokymia)
- Bloodshot eyes
- Dry eyes
- Vision impairment
- Sunken eyes with dark circles under them
- Eye infections
Lack of sleep can also lead to the development of risk factors for eye illnesses. According to recent studies, glaucoma, a disorder in which excess pressure builds up in the eye, may worsen as a result of sleep deprivation. The optic nerve will begin to wear down if it is not given enough time to rest. This can result in vision loss that progresses to blindness. Seeing as sleep apnea is also linked to the development of glaucoma, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about treatment options if your sleep is being disrupted by this problem.
How to Get Good Sleep
Here are some tips to help you get quality sleep and ensure overall eye health:
- Dim the lights in your home an hour before bedtime to signal to your mind and body that it’s time to unwind.
- Regular physical activity is essential. Get your workout earlier in the day, as working out within three hours of bedtime can make it tough to unwind.
- Maintain a dark environment in your bedroom. Use blackout curtains or a sleep mask if there is still a source of light you can’t eliminate.
- Maintain a cool room temperature of 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit for better sleep.
- Three hours before going to bed, do not consume any food. Digestion uses up energy, making it more difficult to sleep for longer.
At Joel H. McGahen, OD, we’re here to help keep your eyes healthy and preserve your vision. We offer quality eye care services, including routine examinations and eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions. Call us at (717) 264-4012 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve Pennsylvania residents, including those living in and around Greencastle and Shippensburg.