Does poor sleep affect your eyesight?

12 February 2026

Sleeping well is not only key for your energy and concentration — it is also essential for your eye health. When rest is insufficient or of poor quality, your vision is often one of the first things to be affected.

What happens to your eyes when you don’t sleep well?

During sleep, your eyes recover from the strain of the day. They rehydrate, tissues regenerate, and eye stress levels decrease. If that rest doesn’t happen properly, several symptoms may appear:

• Dry or irritated eyes

• Temporary blurred vision

• Burning or itching sensation

• Red or tired eyes

• Increased sensitivity to light

For people who spend many hours in front of screens, these symptoms often intensify.

The connection between sleep and dry eye

Not getting enough sleep disrupts tear production. This can trigger or worsen dry eye syndrome, one of the most common reasons for eye care visits today.

In addition, sleeping with your eyes slightly open or in very dry environments can also contribute.

Eye strain and lack of sleep

When you don’t get enough rest, the muscles that help your eyes focus have to work harder than usual. This can lead to:

• Eye pain

• Headaches

• Difficulty focusing at near or far distances

• A heavy feeling in the eyes

Although it is usually reversible, it should not be considered normal.

Tips to protect your vision while improving your sleep

• Sleep 7 to 8 hours per night

• Avoid screens at least 30–60 minutes before bedtime

• Keep your bedroom properly humidified

• If you use air conditioning, consider using a humidifier

• See an eye doctor if dryness or blurred vision occurs frequently