Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision. The connection between eyesight and sleep becomes more noticeable when you don’t get a good night’s sleep. Let’s look at how your sleep schedule affects your vision.
Sleep deprivation and how it affects your eyes
While some side effects of sleep deprivation can be mild, others can be more serious. One of the less harmful side effects, for example, is dark circles under the eyes that can appear puffy.
Other effects of skipping sleep can be eye spasms and twitching. When experiencing those, it can be difficult to read, focus, work or drive safely.
Some of the more negative side effects that can arise from a poor sleep schedule are dry, itchy and bloodshot eyes. These symptoms can be painful and cause extreme irritation and sensitivity to light or blurred vision. Furthermore, these symptoms can develop into eye infections due to a lack of sleep weakening your immune system.
What’s more? If not mended, sleep deprivation can eventually lead to more serious eye problems. Issues such as glaucoma can arise, which can lead to vision loss.
Tips to improve your sleeping habits
In terms of how your sleep schedule affects your vision, getting enough sleep each night gives your eyes a chance to rest and refresh. If you find sleep lacking, try using these tips to improve your sleeping habits.
Create a set sleep schedule.
Having a regular sleep schedule helps your body regulate your energy. Try a routine schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
Dim the lights.
Dimming the lights in your home about an hour before bed can also help signal your body and mind that it is time to settle down.
Keep your bedroom as dark as you can.
Even a sliver of light can interfere with sleep. Keep your bedroom as dark as possible when it’s time to sleep. You can use blackout curtains on your windows, cover any glowing lights or try a sleeping eye mask.
Try white noise.
Is there a lot of outside noise around your home? Minimize distractions when falling asleep with a fan or white noise in the background.
Keep your room cool.
Typically, people sleep better in a room between 65- and 68-degrees Fahrenheit. Sleeping in a cooler room also helps keep your eyes moist with a better humidity level.
Avoid looking at screens before bedtime.
Speaking of light sources, screen lighting is particularly problematic. Avoid looking at screens for about two hours before bed, including computers, phones, tablets and televisions.
Summary
After evaluating how your sleep schedule affects your vision, if you are still having trouble sleeping, contact your doctor to prioritize your vision health.
With 10 locations throughout Mississippi, contact your local Mississippi Eye Care clinic to maintain, prevent and treat eye problems. And for more vision tips and news, continue reading our blogs.
