What causes headaches and dizziness when waking up in the middle of the night?

May 12, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Waking up in the middle of the night with a feeling of head fullness and dizziness may be caused by physiological factors, or by pathological conditions such as hypertension or cerebral hypoxia. If the sleeping environment is relatively enclosed or the bedding is too thick, dizziness and abdominal bloating may occur, along with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Besides these reasons, it could also be due to insufficient cerebral blood supply, epileptic seizures, cerebral infarction, or other conditions.

Head fullness and dizziness during sleep at night may be caused by physiological factors, or by pathological conditions such as hypertension and cerebral hypoxia. Specific details are as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

If the sleeping environment is relatively enclosed or the bedding is too thick, symptoms such as dizziness and abdominal bloating may occur, along with possible nausea and vomiting. It's important to frequently open windows for ventilation and maintain indoor air circulation.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Hypertension

The main cause is when the pressure exerted by blood flowing through blood vessels exceeds the normal range due to vascular disease. Patients with chronic hypertension may experience headaches, dizziness, and other discomforts at night due to elevated blood pressure. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include medications such as nifedipine controlled-release tablets, amlodipine besylate tablets, or dabigatran etexilate capsules.

2. Cerebral Hypoxia

This usually occurs due to insufficient blood supply to certain areas of the brain, leading to impaired brain function. During sleep, when blood circulation slows down, inadequate cerebral perfusion may worsen, causing the aforementioned symptoms. Under medical supervision, treatment may include betahistine hydrochloride tablets, Naoluotong capsules, or ginkgo leaf tablets.

In addition to the above causes, such symptoms could also result from insufficient cerebral blood supply, epilepsy, or cerebral infarction. It's important to maintain an optimistic mindset and avoid emotional excitement.