All the blinking in one day equates to having your eyes closed for 30 minutes

All the blinking in one day equates to having your eyes closed for 30 minutes.

Blinking is something we do without thinking, often taking it for granted. It happens so quickly and frequently that we hardly notice it occurring. However, have you ever wondered how much time you spend with your eyes closed due to blinking? Surprisingly, all the blinking in one day accumulates to having your eyes closed for approximately 30 minutes!

Blinking is a natural reflex that involves the closing and opening of the eyelids. On average, a person blinks around 15 to 20 times per minute, which adds up to 900 to 1,200 blinks per hour. Considering that we are awake for approximately 16 hours a day, that results in a staggering 14,400 to 19,200 blinks during our waking hours.

But why do we blink so frequently? One of the primary reasons is to keep our eyes lubricated and prevent them from drying out. Each blink spreads tears, which nourish and hydrate the surface of our eyes. Additionally, blinking also helps protect our eyes from foreign particles such as dust or debris.

While blinking is essential for eye health and function, it does result in a significant amount of time with our eyes closed. Throughout the day, the brief moments of darkness during blinking accumulate to approximately 30 minutes with our eyes completely shut. This might not seem like a substantial amount of time, but it does highlight the significance of blinking in our daily lives.

Moreover, our brain has developed mechanisms to fill in some of the gaps during blinking. These mechanisms involve the suppression of visual information during the blink, with the brain using memories and surroundings to predict what will occur when the blink ends. This fascinating process allows us to perceive a continuous visual experience, despite the frequent moments of darkness caused by blinking.

Blinking also plays a role in communication and non-verbal cues. It helps regulate conversation flow and provides individuals with natural pauses for processing information. In certain situations, consciously controlling or avoiding blinking can enhance attentiveness and concentration.

In conclusion, blinking is an involuntary action that we perform countless times throughout the day. While it may seem insignificant, all the blinks in one day sum up to around 30 minutes with our eyes closed. Understanding the importance of blinking not only for eye health but also in communication reminds us to appreciate the intricacies of our daily bodily functions.

Source: Smithsonian Magazine - Why Do We Blink So Frequently?