This is the time of year when people tend to stay up late shopping, partying, wrapping presents and just tossing restlessly from the excitement! Did you buy enough food to feed the extended family for Thanksgiving? Should you have made that last-minute purchase of a new dining table on credit? With all the anticipation it’s no wonder you can’t sleep!
But sleep is just what you need to ensure you are being kind to your eyes and vision. Some research suggests that a lack of sleep influences your vision the way alcohol affects your body. At the very least, doctors recommend you get at least five hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Anyway, if you have arisen after a sleepless night – you don’t need a study to tell you how a lack of sleep has a negative impact it will have on your day!
The fact is that a lack of sleep compromises the health of your eyes. Sleep is restorative for all parts of your body. As it relates to your eyes – a lack of sleep will cause eye strain, blurry vision, dry eye and other issues. So, here are some suggestions to help you get the sleep you need and ensure you see things clearly in the morning!
• Turn off all your electronic devices. All electronic devices emit a blue light – like sunshine. Make the room dark – it’s more conducive to sleep and better for your eyes. And remember – staring at this blue light for hours on end can cause digital eye strain.
• Most people sleep with their phones by their side and wake up several times a night to check them. This disrupts deep sleep. Put the phone in another room so you aren’t tempted.
• Don’t lay awake in the dark. Close your eyes. This, too, will invite sleep and help to turn your mind off.
• Take out your contacts. This will give your eyes a rest. Even if you have purchased contacts that claim it is acceptable to keep them in overnight – give your eyes a break and sleep without them once in a while!
One of the healthiest habits you can do for your eyes is get proper rest. Make it a habit! And if you need more information about healthy eyes and vision contact the professionals at Island Eye Care.