Dizziness On Waking: What Causes It?
Dizziness on waking is a very common problem, especially in the elderly. It is estimated that at least 20% of people between the ages of 18 and 65 have experienced this annoying sensation at some point.
Although it is a situation that often causes concern, the truth is that, most of the time, dizziness on waking does not hide any serious health problems. In any case, it is best to consult your family doctor so that he can determine the causes of the problem.
Dizziness on waking is more common in the elderly, as well as in people with other chronic diseases, such as hypertension. Even in these cases, dizziness should rarely be a cause for concern.
Dizziness on awakening: what are the causes of this phenomenon?
One of the most common causes of dizziness on waking is dizziness that originates in the ear. According to the available data, 20-25% of cases can be attributed to this fact. This vertigo is known as benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV).
What happens in these cases is that small particles of calcium are released into the inner ear. These particles cause the brain to receive confusing signals about body position. Then dizziness appears.
This type of dizziness usually occurs and disappears intermittently over long periods of time. It is also experienced when the neck is turned and in all situations where the movements lead to a change in the position of the ears.
Another common cause of dizziness on waking is orthostatic hypotension, also known as postural hypotension. If this is the origin of the problem, the sensation lasts for a few minutes or even hours.
This problem is related to low blood pressure and becomes more evident when the person sits down. It appears occasionally. It can be caused by dehydration or too much time spent in bed, for example. In this case, it does not require additional attention.
If it becomes recurrent, manifests itself for a long time and also causes fainting, the problem can be more serious. It is common for chronic orthostatic hypotension to be a symptom of another health problem.
Other possible causes of dizziness on waking
What to keep in mind
If dizziness on waking is an isolated or very rare episode, you probably don’t have to worry. If it is very intense and occurs frequently, you will need to consult a doctor to assess the situation.
If, in addition to dizziness when you get up, you have other symptoms, such as coordination problems, gait problems and fainting, or if dizziness occurs after a fall, it is best to consult your doctor as soon as possible. The same goes for those who, in addition to vertigo, have black or bloody stools.
