New research has found evidence of sleep deprivation causing an increased risk for eye disease. Sleep is a vital part of overall health and well-being. Yet, more than one-third of people in the United States report getting less than the recommended minimum of seven hours of sleep per night. This sleep deprivation can have serious implications for both mental and physical health, including eye disease.
Sleep deprivation can have a negative impact on both mental health and physical health. Eye problems such as dryness and itching may be experienced after episodes of sleep deprivation. But dry eyes aren’t the only concern. Long-term sleep deprivation comes with an increased risk for eye disease due to its effect on the cornea.
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The cornea is the transparent tissue layer covering the eye and is vital for the proper health and function of the eye. It is maintained by stem cells which can repair small injuries and replace dying cells. This stem cell activity needs to be precisely tuned to work correctly and produce new corneal cells. Dysregulation of corneal stem cells can lead to eye disease and impaired vision.
The new study published in Stem Cell Reports evaluated how sleep deprivation impacts corneal stem cells. The research done on mice found that short-term sleep deprivation increased the rate at which stem cells in the cornea multiplied. Sleep deprivation also altered the composition of the protective film, reducing the tear film antioxidant.
This research revealed that serious effects on corneal health, such as thinning and ruffling of the cornea and loss of transparency, were detected after long-term sleep deprivation. Researchers believe that the persistent stimulation of stem cell activity over longer periods led to exhaustion and loss of corneal stem cells, possibly leading to vision impairment in the long run.
Clearly, sleep deprivation is a serious problem that can have far-reaching consequences. If you are not getting enough sleep, it is important to talk to your doctor about possible solutions. There are a number of treatment options available that can help you get the rest you need to stay healthy and productive.
Protecting Eye Health Through Sleep
Sleep Sure Plus is designed to help promote optimal sleep and restfulness. With a variety of ingredients, including melatonin and valerian, it can improve mood, reduce anxiety and stress, and improve sleep quality.
Poor vision and eye problems can have an effect on everyday life. This research has shed light on the impact of sleep deprivation on eye health, but one of the primary causes of vision loss is age-related and due to low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin. These natural pigments called carotenoids have been shown to protect the eye from oxidative damage. 20/20 Vision contains these essential carotenoids along with other vitamins, minerals, and herbal ingredients to help support and maximize vision and eye health.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
