Glaucoma: A Study | The Connection Between Sleep and Glaucoma | The Takeaway
Overview
Glaucoma is a primary driver behind vision loss, predominantly in the older population. Despite its well-documented impact, its origin remains elusive.
The damage to the optic nerve marks the onset of glaucoma, leading to gradual vision impairment until total blindness ensues. Given its slow progression, early detection can significantly deter its advance and maintain vision longer.
An ophthalmologist’s comprehensive dilated eye exam is recommended for early detection.[4] Research indicates a correlation between unhealthy sleeping habits and heightened susceptibility to eye disorders.
Impaired sleep schedules, including insomnia and inconsistent sleep, can diminish concentration and lead to or exacerbate chronic conditions like glaucoma.
Glaucoma: A Study
A ten-year study discovered that sleep disturbances can eventually lead to complete blindness. This extensive research involved 409,053 participants, identifying 8,630 glaucoma cases.[3] Rather than pinpointing glaucoma’s root cause, the study focused on observing its progression.
Findings from the study indicated that among individuals already at risk of glaucoma, those with regular sleep showed a reduced risk at 11 percent. Conversely, those with inconsistent sleep patterns faced a heightened risk of 13 percent.
Though glaucoma lacks a definitive cure, sleep therapy emerges as a potential management strategy. Notably, cognitive behavioral therapy remains the gold standard for insomnia treatment.
The Connection Between Sleep and Glaucoma
Consistent, quality sleep has numerous health advantages, such as reducing the risk of severe ailments like diabetes and heart disease.
Conversely, poor sleep is associated with glaucoma and other health concerns.[1]
Research findings indicate a glaucoma prevalence that’s three times higher in individuals sleeping ten hours or more nightly compared to those sleeping for seven hours. Additionally, glaucoma patients either fell asleep within nine minutes or took over 30 minutes to do so.[2]
Sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a physiological necessity. Proper sleep allows for homeostatic restoration both mentally and physically. Striking a balance between sleep and glaucoma management is delicate. Both inadequate and excessive sleep can exacerbate glaucoma.
Underlying conditions, including hypertension, depression, and anxiety, can influence the interplay between sleep patterns and glaucoma. Several ocular biological processes relate to glaucoma:
1) Intraocular Pressure
The aqueous humor is a fluid generated by the eye, primarily to nourish the eye and sustain its internal pressure. Intraocular pressure is chiefly influenced by how quickly this fluid is produced and drained.
While many types of glaucoma are marked by unusual intraocular pressure, not all are. This pressure change can be attributed to the orientation of the eye’s drainage system when the head tilts, typically at 30°.
When resting or lying down, the eye reduces its aqueous humor production, leading to a decrease in intraocular pressure, often by 10-20 percent.
2) Blood Flow to the Optic Nerve
While asleep, blood pressure drops and remains lower throughout the night. This condition of reduced eye pressure is known as hypotension.
Prolonged hypotension can harm the eyes and exacerbate glaucoma.
Extended sleep can be beneficial in specific scenarios, such as for individuals with hypertension or certain cardiovascular conditions. However, some antihypertensive medications, especially those taken in the evening, might lead to nighttime hypotension.
Patients with hypertensive glaucoma should consult with their primary healthcare provider to assess the safety of any evening blood pressure medications they may be taking.
3) Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA, a sleep-related breathing disorder, tends to impact glaucoma negatively.
Those with OSA experience sporadic breathing interruptions during sleep, leading to reduced optic nerve oxygenation, potentially aggravating glaucoma.
There’s a bi-directional link between glaucoma and OSA, implying OSA patients are likelier to develop glaucoma and vice versa.
Addressing OSA in its early stages can significantly benefit glaucoma management.
4) Sleep Duration Discrepancies
The sleep duration of glaucoma patients can influence the progression of the disease.
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all recommendation for sleep, as individuals may require anywhere from five to nine hours, striking the right balance is crucial for those with glaucoma to manage their condition effectively.
People often develop glaucoma in their 40s, when several other health issues might emerge. These can include Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, kidney issues, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and obesity.
Ensuring sufficient sleep is vital in handling these conditions, even though there might be varying advice.
The Takeaway
Quality sleep plays a pivotal role in both preventing and managing glaucoma. While glaucoma remains incurable, informed treatments can effectively manage it.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises individuals over 40 to consult an ophthalmologist, given the age’s susceptibility to ocular diseases.
References:
- Brown, M. (2021, August 1). Get Enough Sleep – MyHealthfinder | health.gov. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Retrieved December 14, 2022, from https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships/get-enough-sleep
- Glaucoma Research Foundation. (2021, July 12). Sweet Dreams: The Relationship Between Sleep and Glaucoma | glaucoma.org. Glaucoma Research Foundation. Retrieved December 14, 2022, from https://glaucoma.org/sweet-dreams-the-relationship-between-sleep-and-glaucoma/
- Gregory, A. (2022, November 2). Study reveals link between sleep problems and glaucoma. The Guardian. Retrieved December 14, 2022, from https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/nov/01/study-reveals-link-between-sleep-problems-and-glaucoma
- National Eye Institute. (2022, April 21). Glaucoma. National Eye Institute. Retrieved December 14, 2022, from https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma
