What Causes Dizziness After Waking Up from a Nap?

Jul 25, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am a high school student, and my school requires a lunchtime nap. Recently, I have been feeling dizzy after napping. May I ask, what are the possible reasons for feeling dizzy upon waking up from a nap?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Huang Shichang
Waking up from a nap feeling dizzy may be related to physiological regulation and lifestyle habits. Specific causes may include: 1. Nap duration: Napping too long or too short can both cause dizziness. Excessive napping may lead to deep sleep and cause cerebral hypoxia; insufficient napping may leave the brain inadequately rested and still in a state of fatigue. 2. Sudden awakening: Being abruptly awakened by external disturbances during a nap may cause dizziness, as the brain's response cannot keep up with physical changes. 3. Poor sleeping posture: Inappropriate napping posture, such as sleeping with head resting on the arms on a desk, may lead to insufficient blood supply to the head and cause dizziness. 4. Environmental factors: A poorly ventilated or overly cold napping environment may cause cerebral vasoconstriction, leading to dizziness. 5. Insufficient cerebral blood supply: Conditions such as cervical spondylosis may result in improper posture during napping that compresses the vertebral artery, causing insufficient blood supply to the brain and resulting in dizziness. 6. Other health issues: Anemia, hypoglycemia, hypotension, and other health problems may also cause dizziness upon waking from a nap. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation.