Dizziness is the feeling that you are spinning or that the world around you is spinning with or without your head and body moving.
If you occasionally wake up feeling dizzy, you probably don’t need to worry. Most people experience dizziness in the morning from time to time.
If you regularly wake up feeling dizzy, Six common causes of feeling dizzy after waking up are:
1. Low blood pressure
Sleeping on your back, stomach, or side can affect your blood pressure first thing in the morning. Your blood tends to pool in your torso when you lie down. When you wake up, blood flows to your legs and abdomen, causing your blood pressure to drop. Normally, your body can restore your blood pressure quickly, but when it happens too slowly, it’s called orthostatic hypotension, which can make you feel dizzy.
Low blood pressure is also called orthostatic hypotension or postural hypotension (more common in older adults). It can also happen if you:
- Take certain medications (such as some antidepressants or diuretics).
- Have certain health conditions, such as heart problems or nervous system disorders.
This is not a cause for alarm. Although orthostatic hypotension can cause an unpleasant feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness when you wake up, it is only temporary. It only lasts a few minutes, but it is best to talk to your doctor if you experience these feelings frequently.
2. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
This condition can cause dizziness when you wake up. BPPV is a problem with the inner ear. Your inner ear’s balance system (vestibular system) has five sensory organs in each ear:
- Three semicircular canals: Fluid fills each of these canals. When your head moves, the fluid moves too. Your brain then knows where your head is and how to keep your balance.
- Two otolith organs: These organs contain dense particles called otoconia. Otoconia are crystals that help you sense changes in gravity and maintain balance. These crystals can break away from the otolith organs and move into other parts of the ear, including the semicircular canals. This movement can cause dizziness.
This feeling usually lasts for a few seconds to a minute. The feeling subsides when the crystals settle in another part of the ear. People with BPPV may also feel dizzy when they first get into bed or roll over in bed. BPPV can cause other debilitating symptoms, including nausea and vomiting and difficulty walking straight.
3. Dehydration
When you don’t drink enough fluids, your blood volume decreases, along with your blood pressure. Low blood pressure means that blood flows more slowly to your brain, making you feel dizzy when you wake up.
But the treatment is simple, it can take time to rehydrate your body, so drink more and eat well during the day. If you are very dehydrated, an IV infusion of electrolytes can also help. If you are older, choose to stop drinking before going to bed. That way, you won’t have to get up as often at night to go to the bathroom.
4. Medications
Some medications can cause dizziness when you wake up because of their effect on blood pressure or interactions with other medications.
- Antibiotics
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- Antipsychotics
- Antivirals
- Diuretics
- Immunosuppressants
- Opioid painkillers
If you think your medication is causing your dizziness, your doctor can help you figure out which medication is causing your symptoms and talk to your doctor about next steps.
5. Sleep Apnea
If you have sleep apnea, you don’t breathe regularly while you sleep. Sleep apnea can prevent your blood from getting enough oxygen, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you might pass out.
Sleep apnea can also lead to other problems, such as headaches, which can also cause dizziness.
6. Heart Failure
When you have heart failure, your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. This can cause blood pressure problems, which can lead to dizziness when you change positions.
There is a known link between heart failure, balance problems, and an increased risk of falling. People with heart problems are more likely to experience dizziness and balance problems.
What to do if you wake up feeling dizzy?
If you wake up feeling dizzy, see your healthcare provider right away.
Stand up slowly and stop. Make sure you are oriented and do not have any symptoms.
Your healthcare provider can check how your blood pressure responds to changes in position. They can also rule out other problems, such as heart disease.
Feeling dizzy after waking up also increases your risk of falling. To help prevent falls, you should stretch your legs before walking or turning after waking up.
