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Cataracts Trick Your Brain Into Thinking It's Darker
6 Dec
Summary
- Cataracts reduce light entering the eyes, making the brain perceive an earlier sunset.
- This early perceived sunset triggers melatonin release, causing premature tiredness.
- Individuals with cataracts may sleep and wake earlier due to this effect.
Vision impairments like cataracts can alter the perception of time, specifically impacting the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. When cataracts are present, less light penetrates the eyes, leading the brain to erroneously conclude that the day has ended sooner than it has.
This effect is particularly noticeable in how the body releases melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. While melatonin typically rises after sunset for most people, those with cataracts experience this hormonal shift earlier due to their altered perception of dusk. This premature signal for sleep can lead to earlier bedtime.
The ultimate consequence of this cataract-induced time shift is an earlier waking time. The cycle of perceived earlier sunset and subsequent earlier sleep initiation results in individuals with this condition starting their day sooner than they otherwise would.
