Getting enough sleep is not just good for your body — it’s also very important for your eyes. Many people know that sleep helps them feel fresh and alert, but few realize how badly lack of sleep can affect eye health.
If you often sleep less than 6 hours, your eyes may suffer in many ways.
Dr. Vinay Prasad, Senior Consultant at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, explains what happens to your eyes when you don’t get enough rest:
1. Dry and Irritated Eyes
When you don’t sleep enough, your eyes don’t make enough tears to stay moist. This can lead to dryness, redness, itchiness, and even a burning feeling. Sometimes, it feels like something is stuck in your eye.
2. Eye Twitching (Myokymia)
Have your eyelids ever twitched suddenly? This is a sign of tired eyes. It’s not harmful but shows your eyes are stressed and need rest. It’s often caused by lack of sleep, stress, and fatigue.
3. Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes
Not sleeping enough causes dark circles and swollen (puffy) eyes. It happens when blood collects under your eyes and makes them look tired and dull.
4. Blurry Vision and Difficulty Focusing
Your eyes need proper rest after a long day. Without enough sleep, it becomes hard to focus on things, and your vision may become blurry, especially while reading or using screens.
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5. Higher Risk of Eye Infections
Your eyes produce special tears that help clean and protect them. Without sleep, tear production drops, leaving your eyes unprotected from dust, germs, and infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye).
6. Eye Strain and Light Sensitivity
Tired eyes become sensitive to bright lights and screens. You may get headaches or feel discomfort when looking at your phone or sitting under strong lights.
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How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
- Sleep for at least 7-8 hours every night to give your eyes time to rest and recover.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Avoid screens before bedtime.
- Try meditation or deep breathing to relax and sleep better.
- Less sleep = More eye problems. Take care of your eyes by giving them the rest they deserve.
Note: This article is for information only. Please talk to your doctor for medical advice or if you have any eye problems.
