Getting Enough Sleep Helps Keep Our Vision Healthy
We’ve all experienced the typical effects of insufficient sleep including higher stress levels, lower memory retention, decreased reaction times, and even increased risk of systemic issues like obesity and hypertension. But what about the connections between sleep and your healthy vision?
Our Eyes Depend On Sleep As A Restorative Period
Lack of sleep is the primary cause of eye-twitching. It can also cause dryness, which often leads to red, itchy, tired-feeling eyes. In addition, sleep deprivation can potentially create bigger eye problems. One such condition is anterior ischemic optic neuropathy which causes vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve from insufficient blood supply.
Why We Get Dark Circles Under Our Eyes
The skin under our eyes is very thin and delicate. When we’re tired, blood vessels in our body are enlarged, making them more visible beneath that thin skin.
What Is REM?
REM stands for rapid eye movement—one of sleep’s five phases. Although the rest of our body’s muscles are motionless during REM, our eyes continue to dart around. Scientists aren’t completely sure why this happens. However, some believe that we’re tracking movements that are going on in our dreams because REM is the sleep stage wherein we dream the most.
Protect Your Eyes By Defending Your Sleep Time
It’s not only important for your eye health, but also for your overall appearance, as shown in this interesting video:
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Let Us Know If You Have Concerns Or Questions
If you’re having trouble sleeping, and if you’re wondering about the effects this may have on your eye health, let us know. We’re happy to visit with you.