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Reply	Jan says: Can't believe that no-one has answered this one, why are eyes involved so much in the whole tiredness thing anyway? They become dry, lids get heavy, they fail to focus properly, why do not other parts of the body/senses do this? My hearing stays fine, why?  (no votes) Tags: animals, human body.
	posted on 2009-04-17 14:26:00 | Report abuse

Reply	Michael Marshall says: Apart from causing droopy eyelids, sleepiness slows down blinking, a process which normally keeps the conjunctiva - the outer layer of the eye - moist and well lubricated with fluid from the tear ducts. Its drying out triggers mild inflammation. The more obvious effect is red eyes, a consequence of the dilation of the conjunctiva#39;s capillary blood vessels, which are usually invisible.All this causes the eyes to become itchy, and rubbing them only makes things worse, as does a dry indoor atmosphere or smoke. Contact lenses become unbearable by this stage, and if they dry out, too, can cause painful scratching of the conjunctiva.Other than trying to remember to blink more frequently or going to bed and having a good night#39;s sleep, going outdoors into cooler and moister air helps, as does the humid air from a warm shower (though remove contact lenses first).The quick fix of resorting to eye drops to reduce the inflammation and then going straight back into a dry, smoky atmosphere would be a short-sighted approach (pun, of course, intended).Jim Horne, Sleep Research Centre, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK  (no votes) Tags: animals, human body.
	posted on 2009-06-24 17:41:34 | Report abuse

Reply	Willow says: If you reduce your salt intake any swollen blood vessels, including those in the eyes, will become less swollen. Blood vessels in the eyes are more likely to become swollen or bloodshot after a salty meal.  (no votes) Tags: animals, human body.
	posted on 2009-06-24 19:29:01 | Report abuse

Reply	Anonymous says: Just a comment on Jan#39;s original question: I have tinnitus, and my hearing gets significantly worse when I#39;m tired.  (no votes) Tags: animals, human body.
	posted on 2009-06-24 21:21:32 | Report abuse

Reply	Anonymous says: It could be the eyes get red because of more blood supply going into them to keep them operating when they are fatigued, like swollen feet on a long march.  (no votes) Tags: animals, human body.
	posted on 2009-06-24 23:03:50 | Report abuse

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