Sleep Deprivation: The Reason Behind Red Eyes

Pulling an all-nighter or binge-watching late into the night can make it hard to function the next day. While caffeine and eye drops can temporarily fix fatigue and bloodshot eyes, regular sleep is needed to let our eyes rest and heal. Lack of sleep can lead to decreased eye function and cause redness, circles, itching, pain, and a number of other issues.

Lack of sleep can cause dry eyes

Dry eyes can also cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including pain, itching, sensitivity to light, redness, and blurred vision. The eyes may also appear bloodshot, with visible squiggly red or pink lines, which are dilated and swollen blood vessels.

To alleviate dry eyes caused by lack of sleep, it is recommended to use lubricating eye drops and increase water intake. However, if the condition persists, it is important to consult an eye doctor to evaluate and treat the issue.

In addition to dry eyes, lack of sleep can also lead to decreased eye function, eye strain, and even popped blood vessels over time. It is crucial to prioritize adequate sleep, not only for eye health but also for overall well-being.

Eye strain and popped blood vessels

A popped blood vessel in the eye, also known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, is a common injury. It occurs when a blood vessel in the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white of your eye) breaks, causing a visible dot or patch of blood to appear. This condition is typically not serious and often goes away without treatment within a couple of weeks. However, it can be alarming to see the red spot on your eye.

Eye strain is one of the potential causes of a popped blood vessel in the eye. Prolonged activities such as reading or looking at a screen for extended periods can lead to eye strain and subsequently cause a broken blood vessel. This is particularly common among younger individuals.

Other causes of a popped blood vessel in the eye include irritation from contact lenses, injury or trauma to the eye or head, certain illnesses, and specific health conditions. Irritation from contact lenses is a prevalent cause, especially for younger people. This can be due to vigorously rubbing the eyes, wearing dirty or old contact lenses, or improper removal of lenses.

Injury or trauma to the eye or head can also result in a popped blood vessel. This includes instances such as a foreign object entering the eye, direct trauma to the head, or eye surgery. Illnesses like a viral infection can lead to repeated powerful sneezing, a hacking cough, or vomiting, all of which can increase strain and cause a blood vessel to burst.

Additionally, certain health conditions can increase the risk of a popped blood vessel in the eye. These include conjunctivochalasis, pinguecula, diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood-clotting disorders. While a popped blood vessel usually heals on its own, frequent occurrences or accompanying symptoms may warrant medical attention to rule out any underlying issues.

Dark circles and puffiness

Dark circles can also be caused by a number of other factors, such as ageing, genetics, allergies, hyperpigmentation, reduced levels of fatty tissue around the eyes, thinning skin under the eyes, iron deficiency anaemia, overexposure to sunlight, frequent eye-rubbing, and certain eye medications. Dark circles are more common in people with darker skin tones and affect people of colour more than white people.

There are a variety of treatments for dark circles, ranging from home remedies to medical procedures. Getting more sleep, elevating your head with extra pillows, and applying cold compresses can all help to reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles. Tea bags, cucumber slices, and facial massages are also recommended for increasing circulation and reducing swelling. For more permanent solutions, medical procedures such as laser therapy, chemical peels, and tissue fillers can be used to lighten and smooth out the skin under the eyes.

Eye spasms and twitches

A lack of sleep can lead to eye redness, as well as eyelid spasms and twitches. This uncontrollable eyelid spasm is known as myokymia and can be caused by a lack of sleep. Catching up on sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help resolve this issue.

Eye twitching is a common issue and can be a minor, passing annoyance. It is often a sign that you need more sleep, less caffeine, or some downtime to relax. However, if it starts to affect your vision or interfere with your regular activities, it could be more serious.

Eye twitching can be classified into two categories:

• Eyelid myokymia: a mild case of occasional eye twitching where most patients do not require treatment.
• Benign essential blepharospasm: sustained, involuntary contractions that result in partial or complete closure of the eyelids. Patients with benign essential blepharospasm may have significant functional impairment and require long-term treatment.

The exact cause of eye twitching is unknown but can be caused or aggravated by a range of factors, including:

• Dry or irritated eyes
• Certain drugs and medications, including caffeine
• Stress
• Fatigue
• Eye strain
• Bright lights or light sensitivity
• Nutrition

If eye twitching lasts for several days or begins to affect your vision, it is recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare provider.

Increased risk of eye infections

Sleep is essential for maintaining visual function and eye health. When you don't get enough rest, you may experience decreased tear production and reduced tear quality, leading to dry eye syndrome. Poor tear quality can make you more susceptible to eye infections and other issues.

Dry eyes can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Discomfort and irritation
• Redness
• A scratchy feeling when blinking
• Blurry vision

If you experience these symptoms, it is important to prioritize sleep and give your eyes time to rest and heal. Consult an eye doctor if issues persist.

Additionally, the eyes may produce fewer tears after a night of insufficient sleep, further increasing the risk of eye infections. This is because tears help lubricate and protect the eyes from irritants and debris. Without adequate tear production, the eyes become more vulnerable to infection.

Sleep deprivation can also lead to eye strain, especially when engaging in tasks requiring intense visual concentration, such as working on a computer or reading. This eye strain can contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome and increase the risk of eye infections.

To mitigate the effects of sleep deprivation on the eyes, it is crucial to establish consistent sleep patterns, create a sleep-friendly environment, and incorporate blink breaks from screens to reduce eye fatigue. Prioritizing sleep and taking steps to improve sleep quality can help reduce the risk of eye infections and maintain overall eye health.

Frequently asked questions