Good Night, Sleep Tight, and See better tomorrow

A good night's rest is what so many of us desire, yet millions of people do not get enough sleep, and many suffer from lack of sleep or an undiagnosed sleeping disorder. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), sleep is essential for a person's overall health and wellbeing. Our immune system can become weaker if we don't get adequate rest which in turn affects weight control, blood pressure, mood changes, memory loss and eyesight.

Sleep Deprivation and Eye Health

Just like the brain and the body, your eyes heal themselves as you sleep. At least five hours of sleep will allow eyes to replenish themselves so that they can function effectively throughout the day. However, the less sleep we receive, the more likely we are to experience the following conditions: eye strain, blurry vision, dry eye, bloodshot eyes, eye twitches or spasms, and more sensitive to light.

Sleep deprivation may cause eyes to produce less tears and may lead to developing eye infections or lead to serious eye problems, such as glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease that could lead to loss of vision. Those diagnosed with sleep apnea have a higher risk of developing glaucoma.

It's important to discuss your sleeping patterns with your general physician as well as your eye doctor. During an examination, an eye doctor may be able to spot signs of sleep apnea. Treating sleep apnea and other sleeping disorders can help improve many eye-related symptoms.

Studies show getting quality sleep on a regular basis can help improve all sorts of issues. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that adults should sleep 7 hours or more per night on a regular basis to promote overall health and the health of your eyes. Limiting your time from smartphones or blue light devices before bedtime may improve your quality of sleep. Following additional healthy sleep habits will also help promote a good night's rest.