{"id":31418,"date":"2024-01-03T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-03T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/?p=31418"},"modified":"2023-12-19T19:18:31","modified_gmt":"2023-12-19T19:18:31","slug":"can-lack-of-sleep-cause-vision-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/can-lack-of-sleep-cause-vision-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Lack of Sleep Cause Vision Problems?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Sleep impacts virtually&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/what-happens-when-dont-get-enough-sleep\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">every function in your body<\/a>\u2014and that includes your vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want optimal eye functioning, then getting proper sleep is a must. \u201cTo maintain good eye health and optimal vision, it&#8217;s essential to get an adequate amount of sleep,\u201d says&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nylaservision.com\/about\/dr-giyaur\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Julia Giyaur<\/a>, ophthalmologist and founding director of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nylaservision.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New York Laser Vision<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what&#8217;s the connection between eye health and sleep? Can lack of sleep affect eyesight? And how can you optimize your sleep in a way that supports better eye health? Keep reading to find out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sleep-and-eye-health-can-lack-of-sleep-affect-vision\">Sleep and eye health: Can lack of sleep affect vision?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to how sleep can impact eye health, one of the main questions is can lack of sleep cause vision problems?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYes, lack of sleep can affect vision\u2014and it can have various impacts on your visual perception and eye health,\u201d says Giyaur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, in what ways can sleep impact vision and eye health?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Can lack of sleep cause eye strain?<\/strong>&nbsp;Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue\u2014and that includes eye fatigue. \u201cWhen you&#8217;re tired, your eye muscles can become fatigued, leading to difficulties focusing on objects, especially when using screens or reading for extended periods,\u201d says Giyaur.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Can lack of sleep cause dry eyes?<\/strong>&nbsp;Dry eyes\u2014and the discomfort that goes with it\u2014are a common side effect of not getting enough sleep. \u201cLack of sleep can reduce the production of tears and cause your eyes to become dry and irritated,\u201d says Giyaur. \u201cThis can lead to symptoms like redness, itching, and a gritty feeling in your eyes.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Can lack of sleep cause blurry vision?<\/strong>&nbsp;It can\u2014thanks to how a lack of sleep impacts the eye\u2019s lubrication. \u201cSleep deprivation can cause your eye&#8217;s natural lubrication to decrease, leading to blurry vision,\u201d says Giyaur. \u201cYour eyes may have trouble maintaining a stable tear film, which is essential for clear vision.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Can lack of sleep cause light sensitivity?&nbsp;<\/strong>\u201cYour eyes may become more sensitive to light when you are sleep-deprived, making it uncomfortable to be in bright or harsh lighting conditions,\u201d says Giyaur.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>One important thing to note: Generally, the impact of lack of sleep on the eyes is temporary; getting poor sleep doesn\u2019t cause existing vision problems\u2014for example, near-sightedness\u2014to progress or get worse. (There are exceptions; more on that in a moment.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYes, lack of sleep can affect someone\u2019s vision\u2014but not because it would change their glasses or contact lenses prescription,\u201d says Washington, DC-based ophthalmologist&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bruscovision.com\/about-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Michael Brusco<\/a>. \u201cIn other words, being tired doesn\u2019t usually make someone more or less near-sighted or far-sighted, and it wouldn\u2019t likely affect someone\u2019s astigmatism. Rather, lack of sleep can temporarily or chronically cause the body to be fatigued or exhausted, including the eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sleep-apnea-and-vision-loss\">Sleep apnea and vision loss&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While lack of sleep doesn\u2019t generally cause vision to deteriorate, there&#8217;s one exception: when that lack of sleep is caused by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/sleep-apnea-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sleep apnea<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSleep apnea has been linked to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), which is a significant risk factor for glaucoma,\u201d says Giyaur\u2014and glaucoma can lead to vision loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How much increased risk? According to a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviewofoptometry.com\/article\/sleep-apnea-results-in-40-greater-risk-of-glaucoma#:~:text=Otherwise%2C%20repetitive%20apnea%2Dhypopnea%20episodes,may%20contribute%20to%20glaucoma%20progression.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">recent meta-analysis<\/a>, patients with obstructive sleep apnea had a 40% greater risk of glaucoma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-sleep-better-and-keep-your-eyes-healthy\">How to sleep better and keep your eyes healthy&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting better sleep can support eye health, both in the short and long term. But how, exactly, can you get the sleep you need to keep your eyes healthy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-keep-a-consistent-sleep-schedule\">Keep a consistent sleep schedule<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The more consistent your sleep schedule, the easier it is to get better sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTry to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day,\u201d says Giyaur. \u201cConsistency helps regulate your body&#8217;s internal clock.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choose a bedtime and a wake-up time that works for your schedule, and then stick to it\u2014even on weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-change-how-you-interact-with-screens\">Change how you interact with screens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Too much screen time can wreak havoc on your sleep. \u201cThe&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/blue-light-sleep\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">blue light<\/a>&nbsp;emitted from screens\u2014[including] phones, tablets, computers, and TVs\u2014can interfere with your body&#8217;s production of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-melatonin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">melatonin<\/a>, a hormone that regulates sleep,\u201d says Giyaur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you want to get better sleep\u2014and support eye health in the process\u2014you should try to minimize screen time, particularly as bedtime approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTry to avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime,\u201d says Giyaur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to contributing to lack of sleep-related eye issues, too much screen time in general can cause eye strain. To minimize strain, Brusco recommends the \u201c20\/20\/20 method,\u201d which gives the eyes frequent breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEvery 20 minutes, rest your eyes for 20 seconds by looking away 20 feet,&#8221; he says. &#8220;If you\u2019re in a small room, then just look at the farthest wall away from you. This will help protect your eyes from dryness and strain.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-create-the-ideal-sleep-environment\">Create the ideal sleep environment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to minimize eye issues, then you need to get a good night\u2019s sleep. And that often comes down to your environment\u2014and how conducive it is to getting high-quality shuteye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEnsure your bedroom is completely dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature,\u201d says Giyaur. \u201cEnsure your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/mattresses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mattress<\/a>&nbsp;is of high quality and the right firmness for you. Consider using blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine if necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-tested-for-and-manage-sleep-apnea\">Get tested for and manage sleep apnea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned, sleep apnea can increase the risk of glaucoma and vision loss. If you\u2019re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea (including loud snoring and stopping breathing while sleeping), then it\u2019s important to get tested\u2014and if you do have sleep apnea, it\u2019s important to take steps to treat and manage the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cManaging sleep apnea through appropriate treatment, such as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/how-to-use-a-cpap-machine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy<\/a>&nbsp;or lifestyle modifications, may help reduce the risk of vision-related problems and improve overall eye health,\u201d says Giyaur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another thing to consider is, from a sleep apnea and glaucoma perspective, what&#8217;s the best sleep position for eye health?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6078092\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research<\/a>\u00a0has found that IOP is higher when lying horizontally\u2014so people with sleep apnea (which is also associated with higher IOP) should \u201cconsider sleeping in a bed that allows a head elevation of 30\u00b0.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\">FAQs&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-can-lack-of-sleep-cause-vision-loss\">Can lack of sleep cause vision loss?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the short term, lack of sleep won\u2019t directly cause vision loss. But certain sleep conditions, like sleep apnea, can increase the risk of eye problems\u2014including glaucoma, which may cause vision loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-can-being-tired-make-vision-blurry\">Can being tired make vision blurry?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, a lack of sleep can cause blurred vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-do-sleep-deprived-eyes-look-like\">What do sleep-deprived eyes look like?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While different people exhibit different symptoms, lack of sleep often causes red eyes and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/why-does-lack-of-sleep-cause-dark-circles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dark circles<\/a> underneath the eye area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Is it safe to sleep with your contact lenses in? Find out\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/can-you-sleep-with-contacts-in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">what can happen to your eyes when you sleep in contacts<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sleep impacts virtually&nbsp;every function in your body\u2014and that includes your vision. If you want optimal eye functioning, then getting proper sleep is a must. \u201cTo maintain good eye health and optimal vision, it&#8217;s essential to get an adequate amount of sleep,\u201d says&nbsp;Julia Giyaur, ophthalmologist and founding director of&nbsp;New York Laser Vision. But what&#8217;s the connection [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":144,"featured_media":31421,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[389,390],"tags":[],"coauthors":[484],"guest":[],"host":[],"class_list":["post-31418","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sleep-health","category-sleep-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31418","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/144"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31418"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31418\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31423,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31418\/revisions\/31423"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31421"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31418"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31418"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31418"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=31418"},{"taxonomy":"guest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guest?post=31418"},{"taxonomy":"host","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/host?post=31418"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}