Restful sleep is essential not only for our overall health, but also for our eyes. Poor sleep quality or insufficient hours of rest can have a direct impact on vision, sometimes as early as the next morning. Here's how lack of sleep affects your eyes and what you can do to protect them.
Dry eyes and discomfort
During sleep, your eyes rest and rehydrate thanks to increased tear production and reduced exposure to light. Lack of sleep disrupts this process, leading to:
- dry eyes,
- a burning sensation or feeling of grit in the eyes,
- sometimes blurred vision.
These symptoms can also increase eye strain when using screens.
Red and irritated eyes
Lack of sleep causes the blood vessels on the surface of the eye to dilate, giving that familiar red and tired appearance. This visible sign is often the first indicator of sleep deprivation.
Blurred vision and difficulty concentrating
Insufficient sleep affects cognitive functions, including coordination between the brain and the eyes. The result:
- less clear vision,
- decreased concentration,
- slower reaction times.
This can be particularly problematic when driving at night or performing activities that require precise vision.
Increased sensitivity to light
Photophobia (sensitivity to light) is another side effect of lack of rest. Your eyes become more vulnerable to intense light sources, such as car headlights or sunlight, which can increase discomfort.
Long-term risks
Chronic sleep deprivation is not limited to temporary symptoms:
- it increases the risk of chronic dry eye,
- it is associated with a higher risk of glaucoma (related to unstable intraocular pressure),
- it can contribute to the worsening of existing visual disorders.
How to protect your eyes?
To reduce the impact of sleep deprivation on your vision:
- Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
- Adopt good sleep hygiene: regular hours, a dark room, and no screens.
- Moisturize your eyes with artificial tears if you suffer from dryness.
- Take visual breaks when using computers or phones.
- Consult your optometrist if symptoms persist to check for any underlying causes.
Lack of sleep affects more than just your energy and mood—it also disrupts your eye health. Red, dry, light-sensitive eyes or blurred vision can be warning signs. Getting enough sleep is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain clear, comfortable vision.
