Why do elderly people experience dizziness, nausea, and vomiting in the morning?

Generally, morning dizziness accompanied by nausea and vomiting in the elderly may be caused by insufficient sleep, rapid postural changes, dehydration, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), hypertension, and other factors. Symptomatic management through general treatment or medication may be necessary. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention and undergo appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Insufficient Sleep

Due to inadequate sleep duration or poor sleep quality at night, elderly individuals may experience fatigue and symptoms such as dizziness and nausea upon waking, possibly accompanied by low energy, poor concentration, and weakness. It is recommended that elderly individuals regulate their sleep schedule and aim for 8–10 hours of sleep daily to promote recovery of brain function.

2. Rapid Postural Changes

When elderly individuals get up in the morning, the sudden transition from a horizontal to upright position requires redistribution of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs, which may cause transient hypotension, dizziness, and nausea. These symptoms are usually temporary and resolve as the body adapts. It is recommended that elderly individuals slow down when getting up, allowing the body sufficient time to adjust, and avoid making large movements.

3. Dehydration

During sleep, the body loses water through respiration and skin evaporation. If fluid intake is insufficient overnight, mild dehydration upon waking may cause dizziness and nausea, possibly accompanied by thirst and dark yellow urine. It is recommended to maintain adequate daily fluid intake and avoid prolonged periods without drinking water.

4. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Otolithiasis is an inner ear disorder caused by factors such as inner ear degeneration or head trauma. When otoliths become dislodged, they can disrupt the inner ear's balance system. Changes in head position stimulate inner ear receptors, sending incorrect balance signals to the brain, resulting in dizziness and nausea. It is recommended to follow a physician's guidance for medication treatment, such as betahistine dihydrochloride tablets, ginkgo biloba extract tablets, and mecobalamin tablets.

5. Hypertension

With age, the elasticity of blood vessels declines and the ability to regulate blood pressure weakens. Particularly upon waking in the morning, blood pressure may suddenly rise, causing symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, possibly accompanied by palpitations, sweating, and blurred vision. It is recommended to monitor blood pressure regularly and take medications such as nifedipine controlled-release tablets, irbesartan tablets, and methyldopa tablets as prescribed to alleviate symptoms.

If symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting occur, it is recommended that elderly individuals sit or lie down in a safe and comfortable place to avoid falling and sustaining injuries.