A crucial strand interlinks sleep deprivation with ocular discomfort. Sleep deprivation, a cunning pilferer of tranquility, not only depletes our vitality but also imperils the wellbeing of our eyes. The latter manifests as a disagreeable consequence, appearing as dark circles, inflammation, and involuntary eye twitching. To untangle this convoluted issue, we delve into the narrative of Disha Bangera, a 25-year-old IT professional from New Delhi. She found herself ensnared in the relentless grip of sleep deprivation, an outcome of arduous work and ceaseless nocturnal shifts.
Her struggle is far from unique. She wrestled with perpetually dry eyes and an insurmountable sense of fatigue. This malady stealthily infiltrated her days, disrupting the rhythm of her daily routine. In her quest for a remedy, she turned to a physician, only to unearth that her adversary was the very sleep deprivation she had been resisting.
Dr. Ashwin Santosh Shetty, a renowned physician at Aster CMI hospital in Bengaluru, expounds on the fatigue of our ocular muscles. He vividly portrays our eyes as an offshoot of our brain, asserting that sleep deprivation taxes not only our cognitive faculties but also our eyes. He likens the ocular structure to a lens, governed by the ciliary muscle.
When we scrutinize objects in proximity, these muscles intensify. In contrast, they ease when we divert our gaze to distant entities. Nevertheless, these muscles find solace solely during slumber. This investigation underscores the significance of sleep in preserving ocular health. Denying ourselves rest equates to running a marathon without respite, exhausting both our body and ocular muscles.
Despite its criticality, many remain oblivious to the repercussions of sleep deprivation on our eyes. Dr. Winston Padu, an ocular specialist stationed in Bengaluru, identifies several symptoms. These encompass swollen, weary eyes, a sensation of burning, inflammation, and eye twitching.
A research published in the Sleep Medicine journal in 2015 substantiates this. It indicates that dry eye syndrome (DES), a condition wherein tears inadequately lubricate the eyes, is directly associated with sleep deprivation. The syndrome amplifies with abbreviated sleep durations or sleep deprivation (less than 4 hours per night).
Dr. Shetty sheds light on the connection between sleep deprivation and dark circles. He suggests that sleep deprivation can augment the blood circulation in the veins beneath our eyes, resulting in a dark blue tint. However, this isn’t the singular contributor to the appearance of dark circles. The fluid that accumulates in this region owing to sleep deprivation can render the under-eye area bloated or puffy.
Dr. Kavya Kadapi, an Ayurvedic authority and senior doctor at Yukti Ayurveda in Bengaluru, offers her perspective on the issue. She emphasizes the impact of drowsiness on our eyes and the importance of a nutritious diet for maintaining robust ocular health. She recommends cleansing your eyes with Triphala water and massaging cow’s ghee around the eyelids.
In conclusion, it’s evident that sleep deprivation can inflict havoc on our ocular health, leading to strain, inflammation, dark circles, and irritation. Curtailing screen time, utilizing blue-light filtering spectacles, and adopting Ayurvedic practices can mitigate the harm. The crux lies in recognizing our body’s intrinsic need for rest and adopting constructive measures to safeguard our ocular health. After all, our eyes serve not only as the portals to our soul but also the projectors through which we perceive the world.