Glaucoma and sleeping position...

[Noelhoney]

I'm seeing that certain sleeping positions are bad for glaucoma but I can't find a definitive answer, I have 3 pillows and now sleep on my back and turn my head slightly either left or right through the night, without putting any pressure on my eyes. I've also seen the it's best to sleep upright which is difficult when I have a very cosy bed and generally uncomfortable...would anyone comment on the best sleeping arrangements for glaucoma....I'm also sleeping about 8 hours which also could be bad for my eyesight,

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.....

[muddledme]

Yes, my consultant recomended 2 pillows and it seems that it may be to help stop your blood pressure dropping too low overnight. This could then lead to insufficient blood supply to the optic nerve.

I gradually increased the gradiant of my mattress by putting pillows underneath towards the head of the bed, for me this is more comfortable as I can then just use one pillow. My B/P remains determindley low, so I have also tried to increase my weight a little as I am in the low normal range.

Hope you find a comfortable sleeping position.

[Noelhoney in reply to muddledme]

Thank you muddledme....I have a raised head section facility on my bed that's up about 4 inches then 3 pillows which I find quite comfortable ! , my wife and I have two single mattresses in one large bed frame which are independent of each other so I can have my side at any level, tried a wedge pillow hated it...ended up sliding down it through the night ending up almost horizontal ...dammed glaucoma ruling our lives, it takes over and restricts so many aspects of normal living....like we just live to satisfy its demands ! , ! Take care..x

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello Noelhoney. Slight elevation should be sufficient without the need of sleeping upright.

[GlaucomaMe in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Hi Trish Is there any research or guidance on this that explains the rationale for the elevation, what the correct position for sleep might be or what constitutes a nocturnal low pressure that might warrant intervention?

I ask because I habitually sleep on my side, is this a problem, has research been carried out that proves I’d be better on my back? The lowest level that has been recorded for my blood pressure is 74/41, is this of concern? Do you know if anyone has recorded their blood pressure after altering their sleeping arrangements and found an improvement?

Thanks Noelhoney for raising this.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner in reply to GlaucomaMe]

You may find these articles helpful.

glaucomafoundation.org/slee...

reviewofoptometry.com/news/....

[muddledme in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you for the articles concerning sleeping. I have Normal Tension Glaucoma and low blood pressure and was interested in the research suggesting the wearing of protective eye shields in bed. The result seemed to be helpful.

Although I currently wear an eye shield at night following an eye operation, I wonder if any one wears a safe, soft eye protection over both eyes with benefit ? and are these shields available ?

[Noelhoney in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thanks Trish....over the last few weeks I've tried elevation but by the morning I've slipped down and I'm almost lying flat....however if I'm taking Latanoprost just before bed would that not lower the risk anyway...a Pharmacist friend of mine said just sleep like you've always done....don't wiry about it or it will affect your sleep.. !