Dizziness can be a very disorienting experience. You may feel lightheaded, as if you are about to pass out.
You may start to feel like the world around you is spinning or swaying. While sometimes dizziness can come and go in a flash, other times it can last for a while and really have a negative impact on your day.
That’s why you need a long-term solution to control dizziness and 7 solutions you can use to deal with dizziness are:
1. Move slowly to avoid changes in blood pressure
If you are prone to dizziness, it is important to avoid any sudden movements, as moving too quickly can cause sudden changes in blood pressure. Careful movements will also reduce your risk of falling. Move slowly and carefully when sitting or standing, and hold onto a stable surface, such as a railing or tabletop, when possible.
When you wake up in the morning, make sure to get up in stages. First, slowly sit up in bed, then put your feet on the floor. Take a moment to relax and breathe before slowly standing up.
When moving from a sitting position to a standing position, bend your legs first. This will help with circulation and reduce lightheadedness.
If necessary, carry a cane for more stability.
2. Increase your daily fluid intake
Dehydration can affect your blood pressure, leading to symptoms of dizziness. Prevent dehydration by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. However, if you are already dehydrated, try drinking a sports drink or sipping on some broth. The electrolytes in these drinks can help you rehydrate faster and function better than just drinking water. Additionally, increasing your salt intake may be beneficial if you have low blood pressure.
If you have a medical condition that affects how much fluid you can drink, such as kidney disease or heart disease, talk to your doctor before increasing your fluid intake.
3. Get plenty of rest if you’re sick
Dizziness or lightheadedness are common symptoms of some viral illnesses, such as a cold or the flu. Getting plenty of rest when you’re sick with a virus will help you recover faster and minimize dizziness.
4. Keep a dizziness diary to help identify dizziness triggers
By tracking your dizziness, you can figure out what’s causing your symptoms or making them worse. Once you figure out what triggers your dizziness, it’s easier to avoid them.
When you experience dizziness, write a brief description of your symptoms and when you experienced them. Write down any other details you think might be relevant, such as what (and when) you last ate, what position you were in when the dizziness started, and whether you had any other symptoms.
Note how long the episode lasted and how severe it was. Use a consistent scale to track severity (for example, 1-5, with 5 being the most severe).
5. Wear flat shoes to improve your balance
If you are prone to dizziness, wearing high heels may not be your best choice. Flat shoes help your brain read your posture better, thereby keeping your body balanced. Wearing flat shoes will also help prevent ankle sprains if you fall during an episode of dizziness or vertigo.
Wear shoes with good soles to avoid slipping, especially when walking on wet or icy surfaces.
6. Adjust your environment to reduce your risk of falling
One of the main concerns with vertigo is that the spinning sensation can cause you to fall and injure yourself. You may also trip or faint if you are prone to dizziness. If you have vertigo, adjust your home or work environment to reduce the chance of this happening.
Remove any electrical cords that you might trip over when you have vertigo. Avoid placing low objects, such as stools or coffee tables, in the middle of areas where you frequently walk.
Use night lights so you don’t get disoriented in the dark.
Avoid thick carpets, as they make it harder for your feet to sense changes in position and posture.
Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on the bathroom floor.
Consider installing railings in hallways, bathrooms, or stairwells.
7. Avoid substances that affect your circulation
Dizziness is often caused by low blood pressure. Try to avoid or limit your intake of substances that affect your circulation, such as caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs.
Some medications can also cause dizziness or lightheadedness as a side effect. Talk to your doctor if you think a medication you are taking is causing your symptoms. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to an alternative treatment.
