Dizziness is a term that includes feelings of dizziness, loss of balance, lightheadedness, and anxiety or fear. Dizziness includes a spinning sensation that is not present in other types of dizziness
Waking up dizzy only makes things more difficult. As we age, we are more likely to develop medical conditions and blood pressure problems that cause dizziness in the morning.
Common causes of dizziness upon waking up in older adults include:
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. Usually, 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, also known as 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.
Although orthostatic hypotension can cause an unpleasant feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness when you wake up, it’s only temporary. It only lasts a few minutes, but it’s best to talk to your doctor if you experience these feelings often.
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 (vestibular) balance system has five sensory organs in each ear:
Three semicircular canals: Each of these canals is filled with fluid. 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.
The 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 when they roll over in bed.
3. Dehydration
When you don’t drink enough fluids, your blood volume drops along with your blood pressure. Low blood pressure means that blood flows more slowly to your brain, which can make you feel dizzy when you wake up.
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. In older adults, choose to stop drinking before going to bed. This will help you avoid getting up as often at night to use the bathroom.
4. Medications
Some medications can cause dizziness when you wake up because of their effects on blood pressure or interactions with other medications.
These include: Antibiotics, antidepressants, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, antivirals, diuretics, immunosuppressants, opioid pain relievers.
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 loss of balance.
