How Sleep Patterns Affect Eye Health and Cataract Development

Sleep is one of the most important (and often underestimated) aspects of health. Today’s world of screens, 24/7 information, sedentary jobs, diet, and more play vital roles in the quality of sleep, which in turn impacts eye health and cataract development. 

The Link Between Sleep and Eye Health

• How rest impacts vision
• Cataracts and poor sleep

How rest impacts vision

The hours of sleep are a time of recuperation—not just for energy levels, but for the whole body to rest and repair. This is when the body is at its most active at a cellular level, carrying out important repair and regenerative processes. 

For the eyes, this means that:

• Toxins are flushed and the eye surface is cleansed through a constant production of tears.
• They receive a continuous flow of oxygen, which helps repair and renew tissue cells.
• Blood flow to the eye stabilizes and delivers a constant, healthy supply of necessary nutrients.
• The muscles around the eyes get time to relax and recuperate.
• The eyelids also get the opportunity to rest.

When sleep is disrupted, so too are the essential hours of repair and relaxation. This can increase the risk of both short- and long-term eye conditions, including:

• Dry eyes.
• Eye strain.
• Blurred vision.
• Under eye circles and/or bags.
• Bloodshot or red eyes.
• An increased risk of myopia.
• An increased risk of developing glaucoma.
• An increased risk or the speeding up of cataract development.

Cataracts and poor sleep

When it comes to cataracts, poor sleep can contribute to the likelihood or rate that they develop. This is because it prevents the healthy cleansing and cell renewal process, potentially leading to an increase in the level of proteins within the eye. It’s these proteins clumping together on the lens that, over time, build up to cause a cataract.

Interestingly, significant studies show a link between cataract removal and improved quality of sleep. It appears that, as the cataract evolves, it prevents the flow of naturally occurring blue light that the brain receives to determine when we should wake and sleep. This affects the body’s circadian rhythm, disrupting sleep patterns. Many people report a distinct improvement in their sleep in the weeks and months following cataract removal.

Simple Ways to Improve Overall Well Being, Sleep, and Eye Health 

• 5 tips to improve sleep quality

5 tips to improve sleep quality

The importance of sleep on eye health and overall well-being can’t be overstressed. The following are 5 important ways to improve your hours of slumber.

1. Try to stick to regular bed and wake-up times: Going to sleep and getting up at a similar time each day helps your body adjust to its natural sleep pattern.
2. Avoid screens in the few hours before bed: Screens—all screens (computers, cell phones, TV, etc.) emit blue light. This interrupts the natural sleep-wake pattern and has a direct impact on the quality of sleep.
3. Avoid caffeine, sugar, nicotine, and alcohol before bed: All of these stimulate the nervous system, disrupting the hours of nighttime rest.
4. Regulate the room temperature: The body naturally cools during sleep. An environment that’s too hot prevents this necessary heat regulation. The ideal temperature of a bedroom should be between 60-64 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Avoid large meals before bedtime: An overfull stomach can cause discomfort and affect sleep quality.

Underline Your Sleep and Eye Health Efforts with the Best Ophthalmologic Care 

Great sleep is an important hallmark of eye (and whole body) health. However, it’s vital not to overlook another critical aspect—partnering with the right ophthalmologist. Everyone will, if they live long enough, eventually be diagnosed with cataracts. Regular checks, monitoring, and eventual cataract removal are key to ensuring your best vision at every stage of life.

Discover why we’re one of the foremost eye health and cataract care facilities in the country at https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com/