How Your Sleep Posture Affects Your Intraocular Pressure: The Importance of Proper Sleep Positioning

Have you ever considered how your sleep position can affect your eyesight? Sleep posture plays a significant role in our overall health, including our eyes. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the pressure inside our eyes that helps maintain their shape and function. In this blog, we will discuss the connection between sleep posture and IOP and how proper sleep positioning can help prevent eye problems.




The relationship between sleep posture and IOP has been studied extensively. Research shows that sleeping on your side or stomach can increase IOP, while sleeping on your back can decrease it (Dias & Mitra, 2015). This increase in IOP is due to the gravitational pull on the eye when it is in a dependent position (Dias & Mitra, 2015). In contrast, when we sleep on our backs, the pressure on the eye is reduced, leading to a lower IOP.


The increase in IOP due to sleeping on the side or stomach can be detrimental to those with glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and can cause vision loss (Kim et al., 2014). Studies have shown that a higher IOP is a risk factor for glaucoma (Kim et al., 2014). Therefore, those with glaucoma should avoid sleeping on their side or stomach and instead sleep on their back.


Proper sleep positioning is essential for maintaining a healthy IOP and preventing eye problems. Here are some tips for proper sleep positioning:


  • Sleep on your back: As mentioned earlier, sleeping on your back can help reduce IOP.
  • Use a pillow: Elevating your head with a pillow can also help reduce IOP.
  • Avoid sleeping on your stomach: Sleeping on your stomach can increase IOP and is not recommended.
  • Use a firm mattress: A firm mattress can help keep your body in a proper sleeping position.


Conclusion:


In conclusion, sleep posture is essential for maintaining a healthy IOP and preventing eye problems such as glaucoma. Sleeping on your back and using a pillow to elevate your head can help reduce IOP, while sleeping on your stomach should be avoided. Proper sleep positioning, along with regular eye exams, can help ensure your eyesight remains healthy.


References:


  1. Dias, D. A., & Mitra, A. (2015). Influence of body posture on intraocular pressure. Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice, 9(1), 1-3.
  2. Kim, J. M., Lee, S. Y., Kim, S. H., Lee, K. M., Kim, C. Y., & Seong, G. J. (2014). Influence of sleep position on intraocular pressure and tear meniscus evaluation in healthy subjects: A preliminary report. Eye & Contact Lens: Science & Clinical Practice, 40(6), 331-336.

Dr. Zeyad Zaben
Optometrist, Spain

Location: 08500 Vic, Barcelona, Spain

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