High-Pillow Sleeping May Increase Intraocular Pressure - Report - MDSpire

High-Pillow Sleeping May Increase Intraocular Pressure

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  • Kathryn Wighton

  • January 30, 2026

  • 3 min

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Clinical Report: High-Pillow Sleeping May Increase Intraocular Pressure

Overview

Revise to include the significance of the findings and clarify the percentage of patients affected.

Background

Understanding the impact of sleep posture on intraocular pressure is crucial for glaucoma management, as elevated IOP is a key risk factor for disease progression. Many patients adopt high-pillow sleeping positions for comfort, potentially exacerbating their condition. This study highlights the need for awareness regarding sleep habits in glaucoma care.

Data Highlights

MeasurementSupine PositionHigh-Pillow Position
Mean IOP (mmHg)16.62 ± 3.8117.42 ± 4.34
Mean IOP Increase (mmHg)-1.61 ± 1.31
Mean OPP (mmHg)58.71 ± 8.0254.57 ± 8.19

Key Findings

  • 66.7% of glaucoma patients showed increased IOP in the high-pillow position.
  • Mean IOP was significantly higher in the high-pillow position compared to the supine position.
  • Lower ocular perfusion pressure was observed in the high-pillow position.
  • Greater 24-hour IOP variability was associated with high-pillow sleeping posture.
  • Younger patients and those with primary open-angle glaucoma experienced larger IOP changes.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider the impact of sleep posture on IOP when managing glaucoma patients. Recommendations for sleep position may need to be integrated into patient education to help mitigate potential increases in IOP.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the importance of evaluating sleep habits in glaucoma management, as high-pillow sleeping may adversely affect intraocular pressure and ocular health.

References

  1. Tong Liu et al., The British Journal of Ophthalmology, 2026 -- High-Pillow Sleeping May Increase Intraocular Pressure
  2. The ophthalmologist, The Pillow Problem in Glaucoma Care, 2026 -- The Pillow Problem in Glaucoma Care
  3. Ophthalmology Management, Focus on 24-hour IOP Control Reveals Differences in Meds, 2011 -- Focus on 24-hour IOP Control Reveals Differences in Meds
  4. Ophthalmology Management, Circadian IOP Rhythms in Glaucoma Recommendations, 2012 -- Circadian IOP Rhythms in Glaucoma
  5. Advancing glaucoma care: What's new in the 6th edition of the European Glaucoma Society guidelines - PubMed, 2026 -- Advancing glaucoma care: What's new in the 6th edition of the European Glaucoma Society guidelines
  6. Glaucoma Physician — The Optic Nerve at Night
  7. Advancing glaucoma care: What's new in the 6th edition of the European Glaucoma Society guidelines - PubMed
  8. Association of high-pillow sleeping posture with intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma - PubMed
  9. Night-time blood pressure dipping, but not 24-h blood pressure level, is linked to increased 24-h ocular volume slope - PubMed

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