Take a deep breath and imagine that you just rolled out of bed. You meander to the bathroom, look in the mirror and immediately gasp. There are dark bags under your eyes, and you have no idea where they came from!

If this situation sounds familiar, do not panic. According to the Mayo Clinic, dark bags are rarely a reason for medical concern.

In that sense, you don’t have to remove the bags under your eyes for health reasons. However, some people find that there are cosmetic benefits to lightening their bags.

Read on to learn more about what causes bags under your eyes and how to get rid of them. 

What Causes Bags Under Your Eyes?

Have you ever heard the expression “beauty sleep”? The phrase may sound cute. However, when it comes to bags, the expression rings true.

In fact, the most common reason that people develop bags under their eyes is a lack of sleep.

On the nights that you get a full seven hours of rest, your body distributes fluids in the tissue under your eyes.

When you don’t sleep well, this process doesn’t occur properly. The result? Your blood vessels will leak and make a dark color beneath your eyes.

How Can I Get Rid of My Bags Under My Eyes?

Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure for bags. However, you can improve your bags by improving your lifestyle.

Drink less caffeine, stay hydrated, and aim to sleep at least seven hours per night.

If you struggle with insomnia, try to practice good “sleep hygiene.” You can achieve this by putting away your smartphone and dimming the lights in your house an hour or two before bedtime.

Remember, your bed should be a comfortable place for you to rest. Don’t be afraid to invest in a great mattress, some soft blankets and high-quality pillows.

Creating the right sleep environment will help you get the rest you need to prevent bags from forming in the first place!

Back Pain and Bags

Improving your lifestyle might seem simple for some people. But, people with back pain know that getting a good night’s rest is not an easy task.

In fact, over 50 percent of back pain patients struggle to sleep through the night. That means that your back pain could literally be interrupting your beauty rest!

Luckily, you can solve this problem by seeking proper treatment. By booking a session with a chiropractor, you can reduce your back pain. As an added bonus, you can eliminate your bags as well.  

Book Your Session Today

Are you struggling with eye bags due to a lack of sleep? If so, you should book an appointment with one of our chiropractors. 

Proper chiropractic treatment can help you sleep through the night. In the long run, this will help you feel better and get rid of the bags under your eyes for good.

Click here to set up an appointment. Our treatments will help change the way you look and feel.

If you spend all day on your phone or computer, you’ve probably heard of blue light. Blue light is essentially electromagnetic energy that travels in short, powerful waves. Electronic devices emit this energy during use, leaving you exposed to blue light every time you check your email or send a text message. 

The Risks of Blue Light Exposure

Given just how much exposure to blue light most people experience each day, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks it can cause. 

Here are some of the most common side effects of exposure to blue light that you may be at risk for.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration occurs when the macula (a structure at the back of your eye) becomes damaged. This condition causes your central field of vision to deteriorate, leaving you to rely only on peripheral sight. 

While age is the leading cause of macular degeneration, lab studies have raised the question about any link between the condition and blue light exposure. Scientists are still looking for the answer, but until then it’s best to assume that exposing your eyes to harsh electromagnetic energy for hours each day could speed up the structure’s deterioration. 

Poor Sleep

A widely proven effect of blue light exposure is the loss of quality sleep each night. 

During the day, light sensors in your eyes can detect the difference between harsh blue light and the natural, reddish rays of the sun, unfortunately, this distinction becomes weaker at night.

When the sun goes down, your body naturally begins to produce melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep. When you’re exposed to blue light in the evening, you release less melatonin which can delay or disrupt your sleep cycle. 

While poor sleep can lead to fatigue and lack of energy during the day, it also puts you at risk for a number of other health concerns, including:

• Hormone-related cancers, such as prostate or breast
• Metabolic changes, particularly in your blood sugar
• Lower levels of leptin—a chemical that tells your body when you’re full—which can lead to overeating and weight gain

Eyestrain

Continuous use of digital devices causes you to blink less, which can dry out your eyes. Over time, this can lead to eyestrain that affects you throughout your waking hours. 

While this condition feels different to each person, some common symptoms include:

• Dry or sore eyes
• Heavy or “tired” eyes
• Headaches
• Fatigued facial muscles due to squinting

Limit Blue Light Exposure

Luckily, there are some steps you can take to limit your exposure to blue light. Some easy methods include:

• Regularly applying eyedrops
• Setting your screens to “night mode”
• Use eyeglasses with the right prescription to avoid squinting
• Look away from your screen at least every twenty minutes

For more tips on maintaining your overall health, schedule an appointment at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness today.

A good night’s rest is important to keep yourself active during the day. However, if you sleep with the wrong pillow, you may not be getting the kind of rest you really need. What are the reasons why your pillow matters and how can you choose the right pillow for you?

Using the wrong pillow can have a myriad of effects on your body and mind. Here you can understand the importance of your pillow and how to choose the right pillow for you!

1. The Wrong Pillow Can Create Back Pain

Your pillow can strain your neck, spine, and shoulders if it is incompatible with your sleep position. If you sleep too high or too low, this can create severe back pain.

Those who sleep on their backs should have a low-rise pillow to keep their neck and spine in line. Side sleepers or those who sleep on their stomach may benefit from a thicker style of pillow.

2. Avoid Getting Sick

Your pillow stores an astounding amount of sweat and saliva in it. After years of use, this can become a breeding ground for bacteria. 

You should make sure you buy a new pillow every few years to keep yourself healthy. That way you won’t have to deal with that disgusting bacteria buildup!

3. Reduce Snoring

The wrong pillow can leave your head in strange positions during the night. This can affect your breathing during the night, meaning your pillow may be making you snore more!

If your partner constantly complains about night noises, you may want to get a pillow that keeps your head in place. This is especially true for those who sleep on their back!

4. Keep Allergies at Bay

Bacteria isn’t the only thing your pillow will build up over the years. Pollutants such as pollen and dust particles can also weave themselves into the fabric of your pillow. If you have allergies, your pillow may cause nightmarish symptoms.

If you wake up in the morning feeling your usual allergy symptoms, it might be time for a new pillow.

5. Sleep Soundly Through the Night

The wrong pillow can leave you tossing and turning throughout the night as you try desperately to get comfortable. When choosing a pillow, it’s important to find one that is to your desired firmness or softness so that you can get a full night’s rest. No more thrashing around during the night!

Why Your Pillow Matters

Now that you understand why your pillow matters, you can go out and select the best pillow for you with confidence! Remember to consider your sleeping style while choosing a pillow to find the best option for you.

Are you struggling with severe back pain due to poor sleeping arrangements and don’t know what to do?

We’re here to help. Contact us with any questions or concerns you have about our chiropractic or decompression services and continue reading our blog for more helpful tips.