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Is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) keeping you awake?
“I don’t get any good deep sleep and am always tired!” said one myAMDteam member. “Couldn’t sleep. Nightmares,” wrote another member.
Sleep deprivation is a common concern for members of myAMDteam. If you can relate, here’s what you should know.
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Vision loss from AMD can have wide-reaching effects. It can affect your brain and daily life, leading to unexpected changes in your sleep patterns. Here’s how.
Your eyes play a big role in your body’s sleep-wake cycle, also known as your circadian rhythm. When the eyes perceive dark and light, they signal your brain about what time of day it is.
These signals trigger hormones, like cortisol (which makes you feel awake) and melatonin (which makes you feel sleepy). As a result, it’s common for people who are completely blind to have sleep problems.
One study suggests that people with AMD may be more likely to be night owls. In this study, macular degeneration seemed to be associated with a preference for later bedtimes. In addition, people without AMD were more likely than those with AMD to exercise in the mornings.
The study was small and couldn’t draw clear conclusions about AMD and circadian rhythm. But the findings bring up interesting questions about the relationship between sleep and AMD.
AMD doesn’t just affect your eyes. It also comes with new emotions, fears, and obstacles that may keep you up at night.
Vision loss from AMD can be scary, especially if you’re not sure how the disease will progress. Poor vision can make it harder to work or participate in activities you used to enjoy. AMD can also impact your social life and relationships.
People with AMD have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. These issues can get worse as the condition progresses.
Mental health care is an essential part of managing life with AMD. Seeing a therapist and finding a supportive community can help. In some cases, improved sleep can be a side effect of improving your mental health.
It’s also worth noting that the relationship between sleep and mental health goes both ways. Not sleeping well can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Getting help for sleep troubles may boost your mood and reduce your stress levels.
Not getting enough sleep is bad for your body and brain. It’s also not good for eye health.
There’s some evidence that circadian rhythm problems promote neurodegeneration (brain damage). This could potentially set the stage for conditions like AMD that cause vision loss.
Poor sleep isn’t considered a main driver of AMD, but it can make your eyes feel worse. If you don’t get enough sleep, your eyes may twitch and feel strained or dry.
One myAMDteam member shared, “I noticed that when I stay up late and don’t get much sleep, my eyes get all cramped up and tired really quickly. I guess I should try to get more sleep than I do.”
In addition, a lack of sleep can rob your eyes of essential vitamins. When you consistently don’t get enough sleep, your levels of vitamin E and vitamin C may decrease. This lack of nutrients may indirectly promote vision problems, including AMD.
Some sleep disorders involve poor nighttime breathing. For example, in sleep apnea, nighttime breathing problems trigger people to wake up several times at night. They may not even realize it’s happening.
Researchers suspect that lack of oxygen in disorders like sleep apnea could increase the risk of eye damage and AMD. Studies suggest there may be higher rates of AMD in people who are undergoing sleep apnea treatment.
However, more research is needed to understand potential links between these conditions.
Your healthcare provider is the best person to help with your sleep concerns. They can refer you to a specialist who may order a sleep study and recommend medications or other treatments.
In the meantime, here are some ways you can take control of your sleep.
It’s best not to experiment with over-the-counter sleep meds or supplements without talking to your doctor first. Instead, start with these basic tips to improve your sleep habits (also known as sleep hygiene):
Light in the morning supports better sleep at night. But light at night does the opposite. Bright light signals to your brain that it’s time to be alert and awake.
Digital screens, like phones, computers, and TVs, give off blue light. Blue light also naturally occurs in sunlight. When your eyes process blue light, your brain gets messages that it’s daytime. And when you’re trying to fall asleep, these signals may work against you.
Cutting off screen time and dimming the lights 30 minutes to an hour before bed can help improve your sleep quality. While it can be tough to break the habit of scrolling on your phone, the trade-off for a better night’s sleep will be well worth the effort.
Low vision and sleep problems can significantly affect your quality of life. Depending on the cause of your sleep issues, phototherapy (light therapy) could be worth considering.
Phototherapy involves looking into a special light box during the morning hours. This light exposure has been shown to help with depression and sleep in certain people.
There’s no direct evidence saying light therapy fixes sleep problems in people with AMD. But your eye doctor can help you decide whether a light box could be beneficial for you.
There are several different types of sleep disorders, each with its own causes and treatments. Keeping a sleep diary can help your healthcare provider better understand the issues you’re facing and whether you’re living with a sleep disorder.
Your sleep diary should keep track of things like:
Also be sure to note any symptoms and patterns you notice. For example, some people have trouble falling asleep in the first place. Others wake up frequently throughout the night.
Lifestyle and habit changes can’t resolve every sleep problem. You may have a sleep disorder that requires treatment, like insomnia or sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea and AMD share some risk factors, including older age. The more information you give your healthcare provider, the more likely you are to get to the root of the problem.
On myAMDteam, people share their experiences with age-related macular degeneration, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
How does AMD affect your sleep? Let others know in the comments below.
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