Not getting a good night’s sleep definitely undermines your overall well-being. Studies have proven that poor sleep affects your brain and body in the same ways as drinking alcohol. But did you know that sleep also connects to your eye health?
For good vision, you need a good night’s rest. Your eyes even play a role in how well you sleep. We explain more about this interesting connection between your eyes and sleep, below.
When Your Sleep Suffers, Your Eyes Suffer, Too
You likely know that lack of sleep, especially over a length of time, causes many health problems. This important aspect of your life affects your immune system, weight, blood pressure, memory and mood. Even eye health suffers with inadequate sleep.
Eyes are like other parts of your body, in that they must rest and replenish themselves to function as they should. For this rest, they need a minimum of five hours of sleep every night. Without enough sleep, you struggle to keep your eyes open. You also risk eye strain, eyelid spasms and dry eyes.
The good news is that through some simple steps, you can use your eyes to help yourself get better sleep. In turn, the improved sleep patterns help maintain your eye health.
Reduce Blue Light Exposure at Night
Blue light emitted from your smartphone, laptop, desktop computer, TV and tablet confuses your brain. This is because blue light only naturally occurs in sunlight. Yet, humans have learned to create blue light through our digital devices and fluorescent bulbs.
Despite our tech advancements, we still maintain our natural responses to this light. Our brains interpret the blue rays as being from the sun. To our brains, bright sun means it is time to get up and stay alert as part of our natural circadian rhythm. When using digital devices or fluorescent bulbs at night, this wakes the brain up when we should be winding down.
To help yourself sleep better, stop browsing the internet just before bedtime. Turn off the apps and other device activities to let your eyes and brain rest. By avoiding bright screens in darkness, you also reduce potential for digital eye strain.
Some devices have apps that reduce blue light in night mode. Use those applications or settings if you want to surf the web before bed. Your eyes will thank you for the good rest, just as the rest of your body will, too!
Take Out Your Contacts to Rest Your Eyes
Your eyes need oxygen from the air to function properly. Wearing contacts blocks air from these organs, particularly at night as you sleep. Even with contact lenses designed for wearing while you sleep, it is a good idea to give your eyes the rest they need from time to time.
Giving your eyes some time to breathe unobstructed is certainly a better choice. By wearing contacts too long, you risk eye infections and other problems. Ensure you read the lens manufacturer’s instructions and only wear them as you should.
Maintain Your Best Vision Night and Day
If you struggle with sleep or vision problems, talk to your eye care professional at Optiko Eyewear. Many people get busy in everyday life and neglect the health of their eyes. But where will you be in daily life, if your eyes do not work as they should?
Always remember that adequate rest is too important for all parts of your mind and body, to suffer sleeplessness in silence. See your eye doctor regularly for routine eye exams and other eye care. It is important to do all you can to keep your eyes working and feeling their best.