Why Reading Shouldn't Make You Sleepy

This episode is brought to you by Our Place, Bon Charge, Cozy Earth, and Maui Nui.

We tend to think of vision as an eye issue. But it’s really a brain issue. Nearly half the brain is involved in processing visual information, which means the way we use our eyes can shape our focus, energy, and cognitive performance more than most people realize.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with neuro-optometrist Dr. Bryce Appelbaum to explore why our vision is about far more than eyesight, and how the way we use our eyes every day can profoundly shape brain function, focus, and overall well-being. Dr. Appelbaum explains how modern habits, especially constant screen exposure, are quietly straining our visual system and nervous system. He shares practical strategies to reduce daily eye stress, exercises that can strengthen your visual system and improve attention, and the role of peripheral awareness, movement, and sports in training the eye-brain connection. Dr. Appelbaum also debunks common myths about dyslexia and reading challenges, discusses blue light and screen overload, and breaks down his approach to building visual resilience in a digital world. 

Dr. Bryce Appelbaum is a neuro-optometrist and the founder and CEO of MyVisionFirst, a leading practice specializing in functional vision care for all ages. He is known for his work optimizing the eye-brain connection through Vision Performance Training, helping patients recover from concussion-related vision issues, improve visual performance, and build resilience in today’s screen-heavy world.

In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Appelbaum dive into:

(0:00) Intro

(00:47) The powerful neurological link between your eyes and brain

(03:38) The modern habits quietly damaging our vision

(05:03) Simple ways to reduce daily eye strain

(09:26) The long-term consequences of neglecting vision health

(14:13) How visual overload leads to brain fog and burnout

(19:24) Vision exercises you can do anywhere and why peripheral vision matters

(29:43) Dr. Appelbaum’s journey overcoming his own vision challenges

(34:14) The truth about dyslexia and reading struggles

(45:02) Protecting your eyes in a screen-dominated world

(57:08) The surprising power of “eye push-ups”

(1:03:06) The best sports for training your eyes and brain

(1:07:14) Do reading glasses actually help?

(1:10:22) Supplements that support eye health

(1:21:56) Why reading makes some people sleepy

(1:33:36) Light sensitivity and night driving issues explained

(1:36:05) What parents should know about kids’ eye development

(1:38:03) Where to find Dr. Appelbaum’s work

Also mentioned in this episode:

• Take the free online vision assessment 

• Try ScreenFit for Free

• Free Guide: 5 Steps to Better Vision 

• Learn more about ScreenFit $200 off ScreenFit™ using code DHRU at screenfit.com/enroll

• 10% off Digital Performance Lenses using code DHRU

• The Cancer & Dementia Link Nobody Warned You About with Dr. Satchin Panda

• LED lighting Undermines Human Visual Performance 

• The Brain Training That Actually Lowered Dementia Risk Over 20 Years

For more on Dr. Appelbaum, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, or visit his Website.

This episode is brought to you by Our Place, Bon Charge, Cozy Earth, and Maui Nui.

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