Close X
Thursday, November 21, 2024
ADVT 
Health & Fitness

Understanding the science behind sleepy eyes

Darpan News Desk IANS, 10 Jul, 2024 11:50 AM
  • Understanding the science behind sleepy eyes

Many healthy individuals suffer from the problem of heavy eyelids which is usually due to fatigue lack of rest or spending too much time in front of the computer screens. A few eye allergies, infections, and medical conditions can also be responsible for causing heavy, droopy eyelids.

After a long day at work, we generally feel our eyelids getting heavier as if something is pulling them down. This may be after a day of intense exercise or when we spend hours staring at a computer screen in the office.

But what causes our eyes to get heavy when we feel tired and sleepy?

To understand this, we first need to understand the basic anatomy of the eye. The eyelids are comprised of thin layers of skin and muscles which play a crucial role in protecting the delicate structures of the eye from external elements like dust, debris, and bright light. They also greatly contribute to the overall appearance and expressiveness of the face.

The muscles around the eyes that hold our eyes in position, play a similar role to any other muscle of our body when it comes to experiencing fatigue after a long day of consistent use. In other words just like our arms and legs muscles grow leaden with extended use after a physically exhaustive day, similarly the muscles around our eyes also grow weary and experience fatigue.

This is particularly true for ocular and brow muscles since they are the most active during our waking hours. Therefore, in general, the heaviness of the eyelids in otherwise healthy individuals is due to fatigue that these muscles experience during the hours we are awake.

Various factors that are responsible for causing sleepy eyes are:

Muscle fatigue: After getting an insufficient amount of rest or a prolonged period of staying awake, the muscles around the eyes tend to become fatigued and weakened which can lead to a loss of tone and firmness in the eyelids causing them to droop or sag.

Reduced blood flow and stasis: The blood in the veins tends to pool, and the stasis causes the eyes to feel heavy, eye bags to appear under the eyes, and also dark circles to form due to the darker colour of the venous blood.

Stress and tension: Having a long screen time or intense visual focus such as working on a computer or reading for extended periods can strain the muscles around our eyes leading to feelings of fatigue and droopiness.

Facial Expressions: Beyond the physical changes to the eyelids themselves, sleepy eyes can also greatly affect our facial expressions and our overall appearance. When we're feeling tired, our facial muscles tend to slacken, leading to our expressions becoming less animated and lively.

All this can also occur as a result of ageing changes around the eyes. It may be accelerated by chronic exposure to the sun and also the harmful light from our gadgets! Deflation and decent of the tissues around the eyes make them look saggy and tired.

Treatment for sleepy eyes:

Massaging around the eyes: It can help release a lot of strain and make you feel instantly better. This can simply be done by using the tips of your fingers or using tools like the jade roller or the Gua Sha

Get Adequate sleep: the best solution to combat the problem of sleepy eyes is to prioritize getting enough rest each night. One should aim to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep to allow our body and eyes to rest and rejuvenate completely.

Keep yourself hydrated: drink lots and lots of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated as dehydration can exacerbate the feelings of fatigue and heaviness in the eyes.

Take breaks from the screen: spending long hours in front of the screen, then you should take regular breaks to rest your eyes and reduce eye strain. One interesting exercise that one can do is practice the 20-20 rule where every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.

Apply cold compresses: Apply a cold compress or chilled cucumber slices to the eyes for a few minutes to reduce puffiness and soothe tired eyes. The cold temperature helps to constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation.

Impact of sleepy eyes on overall health:

Sleepy eyes can result in difficulty in staying alert, decreased productivity and even safety hazards like impaired driving. There can also be some significant impact on our physical and mental well-being. Prolonged periods of inadequate sleep can also contribute to mood disturbances, such as irritability, anxiety, and depression.

On the other hand, one may be completely rested, and yet their friends/ colleagues may comment that they look tired/ sleepy ki. This can have a significant impact on the confidence. In such cases one may consult an Oculoplastic and aesthetic surgeon, to find out the exact cause of this look and provide appropriate solutions.

MORE Health & Fitness ARTICLES

Ancient grains for modern health

Ancient grains for modern health
The world is now rediscovering what ancient civilizations knew all along - millets are not just grains; they're a sustainable source of nourishment and a bridge between our culinary past and a healthier future. Raju Bhupathi, Founder, Troo Good, India’s largest millet snacking company, explains the significance of millets in ancient culture and their applications in the modern world:

Ancient grains for modern health

8 healthy eating hacks for busy professionals

8 healthy eating hacks for busy professionals
Here, we'll explore eight healthy eating hacks tailored by Dr. Rohini Patil, MBBS, Nutritionist, to the hectic lives of professionals, enabling them to stay energized and focused on their careers without compromising their well-being.

8 healthy eating hacks for busy professionals

Significance of multivitamins in supporting immune health

Significance of multivitamins in supporting immune health
We have a tendency to overlook the importance of multivitamins in our daily lives. But did you know that a multivitamin is like a bouquet of essential nutrients? It's a dietary supplement that typically combines vitamins, minerals, and sometimes other beneficial compounds in a convenient form, making it easier to support your overall health and well-being. Read on to explore the importance of multivitamins...

Significance of multivitamins in supporting immune health

Simple & Effective Tips For Healthy, Happy Ageing

Simple & Effective Tips For Healthy, Happy Ageing
Right from the foods we consume and how we exercise to the way we nurture our relationships and set financial goals — all this influences how fast or slow our body ages. Here are a few tips for healthy, happy ageing…

Simple & Effective Tips For Healthy, Happy Ageing


From Burnout to Balance: Achieving a Harmonious Work-Life Symphony


From Burnout to Balance: Achieving a Harmonious Work-Life Symphony
Those who pirouette through life balancing work, health and social life are the most productive beings. So, folks, mastering the wholesome work-life balance is nothing short of essential. Wondering how to ace this elusive equilibrium? Worry not, we have gathered some pro tips which will help you not only conquer spreadsheets but also achieve wellness in even the most demanding of workplaces. Read on…


From Burnout to Balance: Achieving a Harmonious Work-Life Symphony

5 tips to boost your immunity

5 tips to boost your immunity
As we celebrate the importance of nutrition this week, make sure to stay well-hydrated, elevate your nutrient-rich food intake, and make mindful food choices that align with your budget and health goals. To provide expert guidance, we've handpicked health tips from certified professionals, drawing from Boosting Your Immunity for Dummies on Audible. Let's together give a substantial boost to our immune systems while keeping our finances in check!

5 tips to boost your immunity