Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: _Stefan_ on 24/05/2007 11:18:21

Title: Why do our faces look tired and our eyes hurt, when we're tired??
Post by: _Stefan_ on 24/05/2007 11:18:21

??

Is there a reason for this? I'm thinking that it could be a form of visual communication to evolve 'tired' looking faces. But why do our eyes feel tired, and why don't other parts of our body feel or look tired in the same way as our face and eyes do?

Also, why does the skin around our eyes and at the corners of our mouths darken when we become tired? It's thin, yes, and blood gets to show through as it becomes thinner, but what is the point of our skin thinning in those areas as a result of long term exhaustion/fatigue?

Title: Why do our faces look tired and our eyes hurt, when we're tired??
Post by: kdlynn on 25/05/2007 06:03:46

i think we look tired because the muscles in our faces are relaxing and want to sleep. but i don't know much of anything for sure.

Title: Why do our faces look tired and our eyes hurt, when we're tired??
Post by: Karen W. on 25/05/2007 06:10:14

Those are good questions I would never have asked as I would not have thought about them..When You get tired all bodily functions slow down and your breathing slows also I bet your oxygen intake is less perhaps adding to that look of exhaustion!

Title: Why do our faces look tired and our eyes hurt, when we're tired??
Post by: thatonedude on 25/05/2007 06:21:22

Perhaps the rest of our body also looks tired, but people typically look at faces (both our own and others) more than any other part of the body.  As for the biological cause of showing exhaustion in our face...I tend to agree with the other posters.  Probably a result of muscle fatigue and to a lesser extent poor circulation.  I think the ol' ticker might get just a bit tired of pushing that blood all the way up to our melons...hence reduced blood flow and oxygen to that area of the body.  That is all in my very non-professional opinion however.   

Title: Why do our faces look tired and our eyes hurt, when we're tired??
Post by: Karen W. on 25/05/2007 06:30:02

I know that when I am tired I can see it in the way my body moves feet drag shoulders round over and tend to slump arms hang with less swing and more of a dangle...etc. I am certainly no professional either just an opinion from ensomniac who deals with the tired look all the time!

Title: Why do our faces look tired and our eyes hurt, when we're tired??
Post by: kdlynn on 25/05/2007 06:32:43

by the way, welcome thatonedude!

Title: Why do our faces look tired and our eyes hurt, when we're tired??
Post by: thatonedude on 25/05/2007 06:38:13

thanks kdlynn :)

Title: Why do our faces look tired and our eyes hurt, when we're tired??
Post by: Karen W. on 25/05/2007 06:40:12

Yes indeedy How rude of me.. Sorry... Welcome to the forum too! Good Job Kadie!

Title: Why do our faces look tired and our eyes hurt, when we're tired??
Post by: kdlynn on 25/05/2007 06:48:09

no problem. i like new people.

Title: Why do our faces look tired and our eyes hurt, when we're tired??
Post by: kdlynn on 25/05/2007 06:48:43

ha... i guess i'm still new myself! lol

Title: Why do our faces look tired and our eyes hurt, when we're tired??
Post by: Karen W. on 25/05/2007 06:57:35

Welcome KAdie HAve a great time in the forum Now tired body shows as well as tired facial musles etc etc etc.

Title: Why do our faces look tired and our eyes hurt, when we're tired??
Post by: kdlynn on 25/05/2007 07:01:07

as for eyes hurting, i think it's because when we sleep our eyes get moisturized but if we don't sleep for a long time they get dry and uncomfortable

Title: Why do our faces look tired and our eyes hurt, when we're tired??
Post by: Karen W. on 28/05/2007 19:07:17

 That is probably true mine get really dry sometimes, not lately .. but sometimes.

Title: Why do our faces look tired and our eyes hurt, when we're tired??
Post by: Seany on 28/05/2007 19:54:29

Aren't the skin thin, because the muscles are tense, hence they are stretched? Then they are released, but you have more wrinkles, and they want you to relax your muscles, by relaxing..

Title: Why do our faces look tired and our eyes hurt, when we're tired??
Post by: Karen W. on 28/05/2007 20:16:29

since Saturday after my hospital run My left cheek os sagging Not my bottom..LOL Although I did not look at it to see..LOL My facial cheek on the left is sagging slightly and showing more fine lines them my right cheek! There must be something to the muscle thing because it also feels like it is getting in my way when I eat of course It feels odd my whole left side feels tired, or weak..I bet your face muscles do relax and make us look droopy and tired.