Why Do I Wake Up Dizzy In The Morning?

Published: Jul 23, 2021

Updated: Jun 25, 2024

Author

Jessica Brown

In this article

Reading time

7 min

When you wake up in the morning, do you always feel dizzy? Dizziness is often transient, and the cause isn’t always clear. However, waking up dizzy on a frequent basis could be a sign of something more serious.

We’ll go over the causes of waking up dizzy and how to avoid it in this blog.

Key Takeaways

Dehydration during the night can result in morning dizziness, accompanied by symptoms like thirst, weariness, headaches, and a dry mouth and lips.

Low blood pressure, known as hypotension, can lead to dizziness when transitioning from lying or sitting to standing, particularly in the morning.

Diabetics, especially those using insulin, may experience morning dizziness due to low blood sugar levels, a condition known as hypoglycemia.

Lifestyle changes such as staying hydrated, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding late-night caffeine, and ensuring adequate sleep can help prevent or reduce morning dizziness.

Persistent or concerning morning dizziness, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, should prompt individuals to seek medical advice for proper evaluation and potential treatment.

What Is Dizziness?

Dizziness is not a standalone condition but rather a symptom indicating an underlying issue. It manifests as a sense of lightheadedness, a feeling of the room spinning, or a lack of balance. In some cases, dizziness may be accompanied by fainting or seizures, posing a risk of falls, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those who are older.

Causes Of Dizziness

Morning dizziness can stem from various causes, ranging from underlying medical conditions and medication side effects to the aftermath of a night filled with activities. While occasional morning dizziness is common and generally not a significant cause for concern, it may occur when transitioning from a reclined to a standing position, leading to a sudden shift in balance. Changes in the fluid within the inner ear, especially during swift position changes, can contribute to this sensation.

For individuals with colds or sinus problems, morning dizziness may worsen due to excess fluid and swelling in the sinuses, interconnected with the inner ear. Explore some other common issues that could contribute to morning dizziness.

1. Dehydration

People who are dehydrated during the night may feel dizzy when they wake up. Dehydration might also manifest itself in the following ways: thirst, weariness, headaches, and dry mouth and lips. This sensation is a result of the body’s fluid imbalance, affecting blood volume and subsequently impacting blood pressure. Furthermore, dehydration may manifest through various symptoms, serving as warning signs for the body’s need for more fluids.

2. Low Blood Pressure

Some people experience dizziness as a result of low blood pressure, or hypotension.

When a person moves from a lying or sitting position to a standing position, such as when they get out of bed in the morning, blood pressure might drop abruptly. Postural or orthostatic hypotension is the term for a sudden drop in blood pressure.

A doctor may advise lowering the dosage or switching to a different medicine if a medication is producing low blood pressure. Low blood pressure symptoms can be avoided by treating any underlying issues.

3. Low Blood Sugar Levels

Taking too much insulin might cause low blood sugar and early morning dizziness in diabetics.

blood sugar level test
Low Blood Sugar Levels dizziness

Early morning dizziness might be a sign of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Low blood sugar is more common in diabetics, especially those who use insulin than in persons who do not have diabetes.

Low blood sugar can be caused by a variety of factors in people with diabetes, including:

Excessive alcohol intake, using too much insulin or other diabetes treatments, skipping meals or eating too little, intensive physical activity.

4. Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an infection of the inner ear, caused by either a virus or bacteria, leading to dizziness. This infection induces inflammation in the delicate structures of the inner ear, known as the labyrinth, crucial for maintaining balance.

Individuals with labyrinthitis may experience difficulty standing up or maintaining an upright position, especially when getting out of bed. Additional symptoms may include ear pain, headaches, ringing or humming in the ear, blurred or double vision, nausea, or vomiting.

Primarily triggered by viral infections, labyrinthitis often follows a cold or flu. Treatment typically involves rest and adequate fluid intake. In cases of more severe symptoms, doctors may recommend medications to alleviate dizziness and nausea. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if the infection is bacterial in origin.

How To Stop Feeling Dizzy In The Morning

Morning dizziness can be prevented or reduced with some lifestyle changes. These are some of them: Staying hydrated by drinking enough water, stopping smoking, lowering alcohol use, eating a balanced and healthy diet, avoiding caffeinated beverages in the evening, and getting adequate sleep are all recommended.

Most individuals encounter dizziness from time to time, and it’s usually nothing to worry about.

People who wake up feeling dizzy on a regular basis or who have other concerning symptoms in addition to the dizziness should contact a doctor.

If you have trouble sleeping, try ShutEye®, an all-in-one sleep app. ShutEye brings a wide variety of tools to help you fall asleep. And you can understand your sleep cycles from a scientific perspective.

So stop tossing and turning all night, and start falling asleep healthily and naturally.

You may also like:

Resetting Our Biological Clock

14 Sleep Hygiene Tips For Better Sleep

8 Relaxing Sounds to Help You Sleep Better and Relieve Stress

FAQ

Yes, regularly waking up feeling lightheaded or faint could indicate an underlying issue that needs medical attention. It's important to consult with a doctor to rule out any serious health problems.

To prevent morning dizziness, you can try to avoid sudden movements, stay hydrated, and ensure you're getting enough rest. If the problem persists, it's essential to see a doctor to identify the root cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by the sensation of spinning or motion when you're not actually moving. When experienced in the morning, it can be a sign of underlying issues such as inner ear problems or vestibular disorders.

If you experience regular morning dizziness accompanied by nausea and vomiting, it's crucial to talk to your doctor. These symptoms could indicate an underlying issue that requires medical attention.

Postural hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing up, can lead to dizziness, especially in the morning when transitioning from lying down to standing. Managing hydration and addressing any underlying conditions can help prevent postural hypotension-related dizziness.

Yes, some medications can cause dizziness as a side effect, particularly when taken close to bedtime. If you suspect your medication may be causing you to feel dizzy in the morning, it's important to consult with your doctor about potential alternatives or adjustments to your dosage schedule.

About authors

Jessica Brown

Author

Jessica Brown, a 29-year-old freelance copywriter passionate about human nature and deeply committed to promoting sleep and mental health awareness. Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Literary Studies from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor's in Biology from the University of Cambridge.

Meet our author