Abstract
Sleep deficiency is a common public health problem associated with many diseases, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we established a sleep deprivation (SD) mouse model using a ‘stick over water’ method and observed the effect of sleep deficiency on ocular surface health. We found that SD decreased aqueous tear secretion; increased corneal epithelial cell defects, corneal sensitivity, and apoptosis; and induced squamous metaplasia of the corneal epithelium. These pathological changes mimic the typical features of dry eye. However, there was no obvious corneal inflammation and conjunctival goblet cell change after SD for 10 days. Meanwhile, lacrimal gland hypertrophy along with abnormal lipid metabolites, secretory proteins and free amino-acid profiles became apparent as the SD duration increased. Furthermore, the ocular surface changes induced by SD for 10 days were largely reversed after 14 days of rest. We conclude that SD compromises lacrimal system function and induces dry eye. These findings will benefit the clinical diagnosis and treatment of sleep-disorder-related ocular surface diseases.
Highlights
Sleep is a ubiquitous and fundamental biological requirement of all animals.[1]
We found that sleep deprivation (SD) decreased aqueous tear secretion; increased corneal epithelial cell defects, corneal sensitivity, and apoptosis; and induced squamous metaplasia of the corneal epithelium
Progressive changes that mimicked those described in dry eye patients occurred in the corneal epithelium and lacrimal gland during 10 days
Summary
Sleep is a ubiquitous and fundamental biological requirement of all animals.[1] It is well accepted that high-quality sleep is requisite for optimal human health and performance. Sleep deficiency, resulting from shortened sleep duration, irregular timing of sleep, poor sleep quality and sleep/circadian disorders, is highly prevalent in present-day society. 30% of adults and 60% of adolescents in the United States fail to obtain sufficient amounts of sleep.[2,3] Sleep deficiency has become a common public health problem in the world. Numerous studies have demonstrated that sleep deficiency is associated with an increased risk of various diseases, including diabetes,[4] obesity,[5] hypertension,[6] cardiovascular disease,[7] psychiatric illness,[8] substance abuse,[9] pregnancy complications,[10] depression[11] and neurobehavioral and cognitive impairments.[12]
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