Some people feel sudden dizziness when getting out of bed in the morning. It may last a few seconds before fading, and is sometimes accompanied by blurred vision or loss of balance. The condition is usually linked to a temporary drop in blood pressure caused by moving quickly from lying down to standing up.
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Medically, this is known as orthostatic hypotension. It occurs when gravity pulls some blood down into the lower limbs, temporarily reducing the amount returning to the heart and reaching the brain, before the body's mechanisms kick in to readjust blood pressure.
Why does dizziness happen in the morning?
The chance of dizziness after waking up increases with fluid loss or dehydration, particularly in people who do not drink enough water or who take diuretics and some medicines for high blood pressure.
The condition can also be linked to anaemia or disorders of the autonomic nervous system. It becomes more common with age, as the body's ability to regulate blood pressure declines.
Studies reveal the scale of the problem
A scientific review of about 25,000 older adults, published in the Journals of Gerontology, found that orthostatic hypotension affects around 22% of them, with rates varying depending on how it is measured.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society also found that a drop in blood pressure after standing is linked to a higher risk of falls among older adults.
How can you avoid dizziness?
Doctors advise sitting on the edge of the bed before standing, getting up gradually, drinking enough water, and avoiding sudden changes in body position.
If dizziness recurs or is accompanied by fainting, see a doctor to determine the cause. Dizziness is not always caused by low blood pressure, and it can also be linked to inner ear disorders or other health problems.
