Last Updated on January 8, 2023 by theworldofsleepstaff
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night feeling dizzy and disoriented? It can be a very frightening experience, especially if you don’t know what is causing it.
First off, it is essential to distinguish between a simple episode of dizziness and something more serious. If the dizziness lasts longer than a few seconds or is accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, nausea or ringing in the ears, you should seek medical help immediately. On the other hand, it may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs to be treated.
There are several red flags for waking up dizzy in the middle of the night. These include sudden vertigo, a feeling that you are spinning or moving around, and an inability to focus on things such as reading or watching television.
In addition, if you have had problems with balance or have a history of migraines or other headaches, you should be extra vigilant.
In this article, we will look at possible causes of waking up suddenly with dizziness and how to manage it if it happens to you.
Note: This content was only written as a reference, using third-party background information. It is not medical advice; as always, it is essential to research and speaks with a healthcare provider if you have questions, or before taking any new supplement.
CONTENTS:
- What Are The Symptoms Experienced With Dizziness?
- The Top 10 Causes Of Waking Up Dizzy
- Top 11 Tips To Help You Stop Feeling Dizzy When Waking Up In The Middle Of The Night
- FAQs
What Are The Symptoms Experienced With Dizziness?
1. Lightheadedness or vertigo
These sensations cause a spinning, whirling, or rocking sensation.
2. Loss of balance
This can manifest as a feeling that you may faint, stumble, or fall when standing or walking.
3. Disorientation
You may experience confusion and loss of orientation related to your environment.
4. Difficulty concentrating and focusing
You may feel foggy-headed or need help to focus on tasks.
5. Nausea and vomiting
These symptoms can arise as a result of motion sickness or vertigo.
6. Headache, ear pain, and ringing in the ears
These symptoms can arise from inner ear problems, such as labyrinthitis or Menière’s disease.
7. Sweating and anxiety
Sweating and anxiety may accompany dizziness due to its disorienting effects.
If you experience these symptoms, you must seek medical attention to identify any underlying causes and provide proper treatment. It is important to note that dizziness can range from a mild, fleeting sensation to a life-threatening condition. Seeking medical help may save you from long-term complications or worse. If you experience severe symptoms like fainting, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe vomiting, seek medical attention immediately.
The Top 10 Causes Of Waking Up Dizzy
There are a few possible causes of waking up feeling dizzy in the middle of the night. Below are some of the most common:
1. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much alcohol can cause dehydration, leading to dizziness and nausea when you wake up in the middle of the night.
This happens because the body’s electrolytes become unbalanced, causing blood pressure to drop.
2. Anxiety
Anxiety can lead to physical symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, lightheadedness and nausea. For example, you might be experiencing some of these symptoms when you wake up in the middle of the night feeling dizzy.
Try to stay calm and focus on your breathing when you feel anxious. Relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga can also help manage anxiety symptoms.
3. Low Blood Sugar Levels
Low blood sugar levels can cause symptoms similar to those of dehydration, including dizziness and lightheadedness. This can be especially true if you have been fasting or haven’t eaten.
A study found that people with diabetes often suffer from episodes of dizziness during the night, which low blood sugar levels can trigger.
4. Side Effects Of Medication
Dizziness is a common side effect of many medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants. Therefore, it is essential to check the label of any medication you are taking to see if dizziness is listed as a potential side effect.
Medications that can cause dizziness when you wake up in the middle of the night include:
• Antihistamines
• Blood pressure medications
• Sedatives
• Antidepressants
5. Dehydration
Dehydration can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and other symptoms such as headache, weakness and confusion.
If you wake up in the middle of the night feeling dizzy, it is worth ensuring that you have had enough to drink throughout the day – especially if you have been sweating more than usual or not drinking enough water.
6. Inner Ear Infections Or Labyrinthitis
An inner ear infection or labyrinthitis can cause a sudden onset of dizziness and vertigo. The symptoms are often worse when you move your head suddenly, such as when you wake up.
Dealing with ear infections can be difficult, and it is essential to seek medical advice if you think this could cause your dizziness.
7. Migraines
Migraines are more than just headaches – various other symptoms, including dizziness and nausea, can accompany them. This can be especially true if you wake up with a migraine in the middle of the night.
One thing to watch out for is the ‘migraine hangover’, which can cause dizziness and disorientation even after the migraine has passed.
If you experience migraines and are waking up in the middle of the night feeling dizzy, it is worth talking to your doctor about potential treatments or lifestyle changes that can help.
8. Low Iron Levels
Low iron levels (iron deficiency anaemia) can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and dizziness. This can be especially true if you wake up in the middle of the night feeling dizzy.
It is essential to check your iron levels if you think this could cause your symptoms, as low iron levels can lead to more severe health complications if left untreated.
Dizziness and low iron levels are linked, so it is essential to keep an eye on your iron levels if you experience regular episodes of dizziness.
9. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is when you stop breathing while asleep, leading to a drop in oxygen levels. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness and lightheadedness when you wake up in the middle of the night.
Some people feel dizzy when they sleep on their backs, which can indicate sleep apnea.
If you experience regular episodes of dizziness when you wake up in the middle of the night, it is worth consulting your doctor about potential treatments for sleep apnea.
10. Stress
Stress can cause a range of physical symptoms, including dizziness. So if you wake up in the middle of the night feeling dizzy, it is worth considering whether stress could be a contributing factor.
Taking time for yourself and practising self-care when dealing with stress is essential. In addition, exercise, mindfulness and talking to a friend or therapist can help manage stress-related symptoms.
If you wake up feeling dizzy in the middle of the night, it is worth considering any underlying causes that could be contributing to your symptoms. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day, and talk to your doctor if the problem persists.
Top 11 Tips To Help You Stop Feeling Dizzy When Waking Up In The Middle Of The Night
1. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can be a significant factor in dizziness, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
If you struggle to drink water, flavour it with fresh fruits or herbs like mint to make it more palatable.
2. Move Slowly
When you wake up feeling dizzy in the middle of the night, get out of bed slowly and move around carefully. Sudden movements can increase your vertigo symptoms and make the dizziness worse.
Learning to pace yourself and taking time is a great way to combat feeling dizzy.
3. Get Some Fresh Air
Open the window or take a walk outside. Sitting near an open window can help you feel more energised and less dizzy.
Breathing in the fresh air can help clear mental fog and physical dizziness.
4. Eat Something light
If you’re feeling lightheaded, try having a small snack like crackers or toast to help get your blood sugar back up. Eating something with protein can also be beneficial if your dizzy spells last more than a few minutes.
In doing so, you will be providing your body with energy to help steady the dizziness.
5. Exercise Regularly
Exercising releases endorphins which help boost our mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Regular exercise can also improve circulation, which helps to reduce feelings of dizziness.
Try doing straightforward exercises like walking, yoga or swimming.
6. Manage Stress levels
Stress can have a significant impact on our physical and mental wellbeing, so it’s essential to manage our stress levels to reduce feelings of dizziness.
Take time out for yourself and do things that relax you, such as reading a book, going for a walk or listening to calming music.
7. Check Medications
If you take any medication, check the side effects to ensure that dizziness is not one of them.
8. Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol can interfere with your sleep cycle and make you feel more dehydrated, so it’s best avoided if you are experiencing dizziness in the middle of the night.
9. Consider Your Diet
A poor diet can contribute to feelings of dizziness, so make sure you are eating a balanced diet, including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Overeating sugar or processed food can also lead to feelings of dizziness, so try to avoid these.
10. Address Underlying Health Issues
Dizziness can be a symptom of a more serious health condition such as anaemia or low blood pressure. If your symptoms persist, consult your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the cause and get proper treatment.
11. Get Enough Sleep
Try to get at least seven hours of sleep every night. Poor sleep can reduce our energy levels and cause us to feel dizzy when we wake up in the middle of the night.
Avoiding blue light before bed, setting a regular bedtime and following a relaxing evening routine can help you get a good night’s rest.
FAQs
What is the sleeping position best for dizziness?
If you experience dizziness upon waking, the best sleeping position is on your back with a pillow beneath your knees. This helps to maintain proper spine alignment and reduces pressure on your lower back.
Additionally, it can be helpful to sleep in a relaxed, dark environment and avoid caffeine before bedtime.
Can dehydration cause dizziness?
Yes, dehydration can indeed be a cause of dizziness. When you are dehydrated, your blood pressure drops, and your heart has difficulty pumping enough blood to your brain.
This can lead to feelings of dizziness and lightheadedness. To avoid dehydration-related dizziness, drink plenty of water throughout the day and before bedtime.
How do you know if waking up dizzy is vertigo or something else?
Vertigo is a feeling of spinning or dizziness accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sweating. If you experience vertigo when you wake up in the middle of the night, it may be due to an inner ear infection or a problem with your balance system. However, it’s best to speak to your doctor if your symptoms persist.
Final Thoughts
Following these tips can help reduce the frequency and severity of feeling dizzy when waking up in the middle of the night. In addition, taking steps to improve your overall health and wellbeing is also beneficial for reducing dizziness symptoms.
Most importantly, consult your doctor or healthcare provider if any dizziness symptoms are persistent or severe.