Why do I feel dizzy and unsteady when I get up in the morning, and what should I do?

Nov 08, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
In general, dizziness and unsteadiness upon waking in the morning may be caused by poor sleep quality, hypotension, hypoglycemia, Ménière's disease, cervical disc herniation, or other conditions. Patients should improve sleep quality, pay attention to moving slowly, follow medical advice regarding medication use, and consider surgical options to alleviate symptoms. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and follow the physician's instructions for treatment.

Generally, dizziness and unsteadiness upon waking in the morning may be caused by poor sleep quality, hypotension, hypoglycemia, Ménière's disease, cervical disc herniation, and other conditions. Patients need to improve sleep quality, pay attention to moving slowly, follow medical advice regarding medication, or consider surgical treatments for improvement. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the cause, and undergo treatment as directed by a physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Poor Sleep Quality: The brain may not receive sufficient rest and recovery during sleep, which may lead to feelings of dizziness upon waking. It is recommended to improve sleep quality by maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a quiet, comfortable sleeping environment.

2. Orthostatic Hypotension: Moving too quickly when getting up can trigger orthostatic hypotension, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the brain and causing dizziness and unsteadiness. Symptoms may include visual darkening and nausea. Move slowly when getting up and avoid sudden postural changes. If symptoms recur frequently, compression stockings may be used under medical guidance to promote venous return in the lower limbs and alleviate dizziness.

3. Hypoglycemia: Delayed meal times or skipping breakfast may lead to hypoglycemia, causing insufficient energy supply and reduced cerebral blood flow, which can result in dizziness and instability. Symptoms may be accompanied by sweating and palpitations. Prompt energy replenishment is necessary, such as consuming bread or candy to raise blood sugar levels. If symptoms persist, medications such as furosemide tablets, hydrochlorothiazide tablets, or glucose injections should be administered under medical guidance.

4. Cervical Disc Herniation: This condition involves protrusion of the central portion of the cervical disc, compressing nerve roots or the spinal cord, possibly due to trauma or heavy physical labor. Symptoms may include dizziness and neck and back pain. Treatment options include anterior cervical discectomy with fusion, artificial disc replacement, or minimally invasive percutaneous surgery, as directed by a physician.

5. Ménière's Disease: An inner ear disorder, often triggered by fatigue or mental stress, leading to dysfunction of the semicircular canals and vestibular organs in the ear. Symptoms may include dizziness and tinnitus. Treatment should follow medical guidance using medications such as phenobarbital scopolamine tablets, flunarizine hydrochloride tablets, or betahistine mesylate tablets.

In daily life, it is recommended to engage in moderate exercise, such as walking, jogging, or swimming, to improve physical fitness and immunity.