Feeling dizzy or lightheaded when bending over is not uncommon, especially in older adults or those with underlying health problems. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded when bending over can be due to a number of reasons. Causes may include poor blood circulation, low blood sugar, hypothyroidism, Meniere’s disease, etc.
Feeling dizzy does not always signal a serious health condition. It becomes more common after age 60 and is more common in women.
Sometimes, this spinning sensation is fleeting and not dangerous. But in many other cases, recurring dizziness can be a warning sign of a serious disorder that needs to be monitored and treated promptly.
Why do you feel dizzy when bending over?
There are many causes that can lead to this phenomenon. From mild circulatory disorders to serious problems related to the nervous system, inner ear, or endocrine system.
Here are the most common reasons:
1. Poor blood circulation
When your circulatory system doesn’t deliver enough oxygenated blood to your brain, especially when you change positions, such as bending over or standing up suddenly, you may feel dizzy or unsteady. This is because your brain is temporarily deprived of oxygen.
Accompanying signs may include cold hands and feet, numbness, or mild swelling in your limbs. Poor circulation can be caused by a number of serious conditions, including heart rhythm problems, congestive heart failure, or even a potential heart attack. Seeking medical attention early is essential if this condition persists.
2. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
When your body doesn’t have enough glucose, you may feel dizzy, shaky, or nauseous, especially after a long period without eating. People with diabetes are more likely to experience this condition, but hypoglycemia can also occur in people without the disease, due to alcohol, side effects of medications, liver failure, or skipping meals.
3. Low blood pressure
Bending down and standing up too quickly in people with low blood pressure can easily cause postural hypotension. At that time, blood has not yet rushed to the brain, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision or fainting.
Although low blood pressure is not always dangerous, if it is accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, confusion, slow heartbeat, it needs to be closely monitored.
4. Dehydration
A lack of water in the body will reduce the volume of circulating blood, causing the brain to not receive enough oxygen every time you change position. This condition often occurs after intense exercise, exposure to hot weather, or when having a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Drinking enough water during the day is a simple but extremely important measure to prevent it.
5. Panic attacks and anxiety
Excessive anxiety can lead to hyperventilation (rapid breathing, rapid breathing), reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood. As a result, the brain is overstimulated, causing dizziness, numbness in the limbs or lightheadedness. Panic attacks can make you feel like you’re about to faint, even if you’re not.
6. Anemia
A lack of healthy red blood cells reduces the ability of the brain to carry oxygen, which is especially noticeable when you change positions. In addition to dizziness, anemia is also associated with fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, and a rapid heartbeat. If you often feel dizzy when you bend your head and have these symptoms, you should have a blood test to check your hemoglobin level.
7. Side effects of medications
Some medications can cause dizziness, especially when you first start using them or when you take high doses. Medications commonly associated with this condition include sedatives, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, diuretics, and some antibiotics. If you suspect that your medication is causing your symptoms, talk to your doctor and never stop taking the medication on your own.
8. Hypothyroidism
When your thyroid is underactive, your body’s metabolism slows down. Blood pressure may drop, heart rate slows, and you may feel dizzy, especially when changing positions suddenly. Hypothyroidism is often accompanied by chronic fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold.
9. Inner ear disorders
The inner ear is not only involved in hearing, but also controls balance. Ear infections, inflammation of the inner ear, or trauma to the ear can cause a feeling of disorientation and dizziness when standing up or bending over.
A common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which occurs when calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged, causing the person to feel dizzy when changing positions.
10. Meniere’s disease
This is a chronic disorder of the inner ear that causes severe attacks of dizziness that can last for hours. Associated symptoms include pressure in the ear, ringing in the ears, and intermittent hearing loss. This disease often recurs periodically, seriously affecting the quality of life if not treated properly.
