What causes dizziness and vertigo upon waking up?
Sep 24, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
In general, feeling dizzy or lightheaded upon waking may be related to factors such as getting up too quickly, lack of sleep, low blood sugar, anemia, or cervical spondylosis. In daily life, avoid sitting up or standing immediately upon waking—allow your body time to adjust gradually. At the same time, maintain a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition, and consume plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and other nutritious foods.
Generally, feeling dizzy upon waking may be related to factors such as rising too quickly, lack of sleep, low blood sugar, anemia, or cervical spondylosis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific explanations are as follows:
1. Rising too quickly
Rising abruptly from bed can cause a rapid redistribution of blood in the body, potentially leading to temporary insufficient blood supply to the brain and resulting in dizziness. It is advisable to adjust your habits by rising slowly from bed and avoiding sudden changes in posture, allowing the body sufficient time to adapt to positional changes.
2. Sleep deprivation
Chronic late nights or inadequate sleep prevent the brain from getting enough rest, which may lead to cerebral blood vessel constriction and result in dizziness after waking. Adjusting sleep routines and relaxing before bedtime through activities such as taking a warm bath, reading books, or listening to soft music can help improve sleep quality.
3. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Irregular eating patterns or excessive dieting for weight loss may lead to hypoglycemia. In a fasting state upon waking, blood glucose levels may drop too low, causing insufficient energy supply to the brain and resulting in dizziness. Carrying sugary snacks or drinks can help quickly replenish blood sugar when dizziness occurs.
4. Anemia
Long-term picky eating may lead to deficiencies in nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12, causing anemia. Reduced hemoglobin levels mean the brain does not receive adequate oxygen, possibly leading to dizziness upon waking. Symptoms often include palpitations and shortness of breath. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as iron sucrose injection, normal saline solution, and ferrous fumarate granules.
5. Cervical spondylosis
Poor postures during long periods of work, study, or looking down at mobile phones may increase the risk of cervical spondylosis. This condition may compress surrounding nerves or blood vessels, impairing cerebral blood flow and causing symptoms such as dizziness upon waking, neck pain, and shoulder or back aches. Medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules, and celecoxib capsules may be used for treatment.
In daily life, avoid sitting up or standing immediately upon waking; allow the body time to adjust. Additionally, maintain a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition, with increased intake of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and other healthy foods.
