A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that sleeping with the head elevated on two standard pillows significantly increases intraocular pressure and decreases blood flow to the optic nerve, with the effect most pronounced in younger patients and those with primary open-angle glaucoma.
Most glaucoma management relies on daytime seated pressure readings, which may significantly underestimate the pressure the optic nerve faces during six to eight hours of sleep each night.
Sleeping on two pillows compresses the jugular veins, increasing venous backpressure and raising intraocular pressure. In contrast, side sleeping compresses the lower eye against the pillow, causing measurable pressure elevation within minutes.
To protect against overnight pressure damage, sleeping flat on the back with a firm, low pillow that keeps the neck neutral is recommended, as this reduces both intraocular pressure and venous backpressure at no cost or risk.
Supporting ocular circulation through omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, bilberry extract and ginkgo biloba – along with lifestyle factors like aerobic exercise, avoiding excessive caffeine and not smoking – can help address the vascular dimension of optic nerve protection.
Every night, millions of people with glaucoma climb into bed, arrange their pillows and drift off to sleep completely unaware that their sleeping position may be slowly damaging their optic nerve.
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