The Relationship Between Sleep and Dry Eyes: Essential Insights You Should Understand

 

Have you ever pondered why your eyes feel gritty and fatigued despite a full night's rest?

It's a common issue in Canberra, where our dry, windy climate can be harsh on the eyes.

Many believe that a good night's sleep guarantees waking up with revitalised eyes. However, this isn't always the case.

Explore the correlation between circadian rhythm disruptions and dry eyes. Research suggests that levels of the brain chemical 5-HT, found in tears, may impact tear production. Ageing often alters sleep patterns, potentially exacerbating dryness. Additionally, improper eyelid closure during sleep, known as nocturnal lagophthalmos, can contribute to dryness and irritation, possibly leading to exposure to keratopathy.

Circadian Rhythm Disturbances:

The association between dry eyes and your daily sleep cycle may be attributed to a brain chemical known as 5-HT, crucial for regulating your body's internal clock and present in human tears. Individuals experiencing insufficient tear production in a specific type of dry eye frequently exhibit elevated levels of this chemical in their tears.


Getting Older and Changing Sleep:

With age, sleep patterns commonly shift. Older individuals may experience increased nighttime awakenings or less restful sleep, resulting in prolonged periods with partially closed eyes, potentially causing, you guessed it, increased dryness. It's a dual challenge of ageing and managing both sleep alterations and dry eyes.


Not Closing Eyelids Properly During Sleep:

Are you familiar with nocturnal lagophthalmos? It's a fairly prevalent eye condition where, during

sleep, eyelids fail to close fully, leaving a gap. This prolonged exposure can result in dryness and irritation upon waking, potentially leading to exposure to keratopathy, affecting the cornea.


At Dr. Vyas Eye Care Clinic in Tarnaka, Hyderabad, we dive into detective mode to pinpoint the root cause of your eye troubles. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, we leave no stone unturned in diagnosing your condition accurately.


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