Nighttime dizziness is a common occurrence in the elderly. Not only is it an unpleasant symptom, it can also affect sleep quality and increase the risk of falls.
Causes of dizziness at night and how to fix it
Identifying the right cause is an important first step to effectively treating this condition.
1. Low blood sugar
If you skip meals during the day, your blood sugar levels may drop at night. Low blood sugar can make you feel dizzy and lightheaded later in the day.
Solution:
You should avoid skipping meals during the day, even if you are busy with work, you should still have a light meal. Avoid eating breakfast and sugary snacks because they can cause your blood sugar to drop again later in the day.
Plan ahead to make sure you have time for a healthy lunch or snack during the day, so your blood sugar doesn’t drop too low in the evening.
Also, make sure to drink enough water during the day to reduce dizziness caused by dehydration.
2. Mental and emotional stress
If you have a stressful job or feel pressured about life, you may experience dizziness at night due to stress.
Solution:
You may need to use stress management techniques to cope with stress. You can get up early to exercise before work, or go to the gym after work to reduce stress. You can use a meditation app or practice breathing exercises during the day.
Setting boundaries, committing to deadlines, and saying “no” when necessary can also help reduce stress. If necessary, you can seek professional help to manage stress.
3. Alcohol
Some people turn to alcohol to relax after a long day. However, alcohol can cause dizziness in some people. Alcohol can sometimes make dizziness worse in people with certain vestibular disorders. Alcohol can also interact with some prescription medications.
Solution:
If you are turning to alcohol to relieve stress, you may want to look for healthier ways to relieve stress. If you regularly socialize with friends over alcohol, such as during happy hour, be sure to drink a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage to avoid dehydration.
If you are taking any prescription medications, check the warning label or ask your pharmacist if your medication interacts with alcohol.
4. Poor Work Posture (Poor Ergonomics)
Some people feel dizzy at night after working on a computer, smartphone, or tablet due to poor posture. If your office space is not designed for good posture, you may experience neck dizziness at the end of the day.
Solution:
You may need to raise your computer monitor, use an office chair with armrests, or purchase a wrist rest for your keyboard. Some people choose to sit on a large exercise ball instead of a chair to improve their posture. If you work on a tablet, you can buy a stand. Placing your phone at eye level can help reduce neck dizziness.
5. Glasses
If you also experience headaches and eye strain after working on a computer in addition to dizziness, you may need to buy new glasses.
When it comes to replacing glasses, people often experience dizziness, eye strain, fatigue, and even headaches after working on a computer or laptop for long periods of time. Dizziness tends to get worse during the day, peaking at night.
Solution:
You can see an eye doctor to check your eyes to see if you need new glasses or a new prescription. Some people wear glasses when using a computer, while others prefer to wear contact lenses.
6. Jaw Clenching While Working or Concentrating
People who clench their jaws while working or concentrating may feel more dizzy at night.
The solution:
Be aware that you are clenching your jaw during the day while working or concentrating. If you notice yourself clenching your jaw while working or concentrating, you can take steps to relax and loosen your jaw.
7. BPPV
BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and dizziness in the inner ear. People with BPPV sometimes feel worse at night when lying down in bed. Symptoms when lying down or rolling over in bed can include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and a feeling of falling or losing balance.
People with BPPV often feel better during the day and may even feel normal in the evening, but feel dizzy when lying down to go to sleep at night.
Solution:
You can consult a vestibular physical therapist or a vertigo specialist to determine if you have BPPV. BPPV can often be successfully treated with specific maneuvers performed by a skilled vestibular health care professional.
8. Pillow or Mattress
Patients with stiff necks or neck pain may experience dizziness at night if their pillow is too thick or too thin. They may also experience dizziness if their mattress is too soft or too hard. This is due to the position of the neck when sleeping.
Solution:
Choose a pillow that is moderate in height, suitable for your sleeping position. Avoid pillows that are too soft or too high, causing the neck to bend. The mattress should be firm enough to support the spine, but still comfortable. If you start to feel dizzy after changing your pillow/mattress, consider changing to a more suitable product.
