The Importance of Sleep
March 19th was World Sleep Day. What does that have to do with comfortable eyes?
Sleep and eye comfort are linked in many ways. Sleep deprivation makes our eyes drier, being associated with reduced tear secretion and more more dry eye symptoms.
Dry Eye is also linked to worse sleep - those with Dry Eye Disease reported poorer sleep quality, greater daytime sleepiness, less sleep, more sleep disturbances, increased prevalence, incidence, and severity of sleep disorders.
So what can you do???
Make sure you treat your dry eyes and go to bed with comfortable eyes. A warm compress or eye drops before bed can help, and for some an overnight ointment or gel may be needed
Go to sleep at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning
Exercise regularly, but avoid strenuous exercise four hours before bedtime
Avoid caffeine and alcohol within six hours of bedtime
Avoid the use of nicotine close to bedtime or during the night
Try making a to-do list before you go to bed. This will prevent “Worry Time”
Avoid eating a heavy meal late in the day
Minimise light, noise and extreme temperatures in the bedroom
Follow a routine to help you relax before sleep. Read a book, listen to music, or take a bath