We all know that sleep is essential for recharging our bodies and minds, but did you know that poor-quality sleep can take a toll on your eyesight too?  From blurry vision to heightened sensitivity to light, not getting enough rest doesn’t just leave you groggy—it can affect the health of your vision.

Let’s take a look at how sleep impacts our eyes, why untreated sleep apnea can make things worse, and, most importantly, what you can do to protect your vision while prioritizing quality sleep.

The Eye-Opening Effects of Poor Sleep

Eye Strain and Fatigue 

Ever feel like your eyes are falling right out of your head after a sleepless night?  That’s eye strain talking.  Sleep gives your eyes a much needed break to repair and refresh.  When you cut that rest short, your eyes don’t get that recovery time, leading to discomfort, dryness, and irritation—especially after a day of staring at screens.

Blurred Vision

If your vision gets a little fuzzy when you’re running on fumes, it’s no coincidence.  Sleep deprivation can temporarily mess with your eyes’ ability to focus.  Reading, working, or driving  can feel harder when your body (and eyes) haven’t had enough restorative sleep.

Dry, Irritated Eyes

Poor sleep can also dry out your tear production.  This leaves your eyes feeling scratchy and sore, which is especially noticeable in dry environments or while wearing contact lenses.

Increased Sensitivity to Light

Ever find yourself squinting in normal lighting after a bad night’s sleep?  Sleep-deprived eyes are more sensitive to light because your body isn’t producing enough of the chemicals that regulate light adjustment.

How Untreated Sleep Apnea Impacts Eye Health

If you have untreated sleep apnea, the effects on your eyes can go beyond tiredness and irritation.  Sleep apnea disrupts your breathing during sleep, reducing oxygen levels and increasing stress on your blood vessels.  This can lead to more serious conditions:

  • Glaucoma:  Sleep apnea can triple your risk of optic nerve damage, leading to glaucoma, a condition that may cause permanent vision loss if untreated.
  • Dry Eye Syndrome:  Mouth breathing caused by sleep apnea can dry out your eyes, creating discomfort and increasing the risk of infections.
  • Ischemic Optic Neuropathy:  Interrupted oxygen flow during sleep can damage the optic nerve, sometimes causing sudden, irreversible vision loss.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy:  If you have diabetes, untreated sleep apnea can worsen blood vessel damage in the eyes, accelerating vision loss.

Tips for Better Sleep and Happier Eyes

Ready to give your eyes (and body) the rest they deserve?  Here are some tips to level up your sleep game:

  1. Stick to a Sleep Schedule:  Going to bed and waking up at the time every day helps your body’s internal clock, making restful sleep easier to achieve.
  2. Optimize Your Sleep Space:  A cool, quiet, and dark room is key.  Blackout curtains, white noise machines, and keeping temperatures around 18°C (65°F) can make all the difference.
  3. Power Down Screens:  Blue light from phones, tablets and laptops can interfere with your body’s ability to wind down.  Set an alarm to unplug at least an hour before bed.
  4. Stay Hydrated: Dry eyes often stem from dehydration, so sip water throughout the day.  Just avoid chugging too close to bedtime to prevent midnight trips to the bathroom.
  5. Eye Care:  If you’re battling dry eyes, use lubricating drops or consult an optometrist for additional options.
  6. Treat Sleep Apnea:  Snoring, gasping during sleep, or waking up exhausted?  Talk to us.  Sleep apnea treatments like CPAP therapy can improve your sleep and safeguard your vision.
  7. Don’t Skip Checkups:  Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good eye health and can catch early signs of issues.  Schedule annual checkups with your eye doctor.

Ready to Sleep Better and See Clearer?

Your eyes—and your body—depend on quality sleep to stay healthy.  If poor sleep or sleep apnea is holding you back, it’s time to take action.  At Sleep Therapeutics, we specialize in helping you unlock better sleep to protect your overall health.

Book a consultation today and get ready for brighter mornings and healthier eyes.  You deserve it!

For more information:

Canadian Association of Optometrists:  The Eye Exam