Feeling dizzy when waking up is commonly caused by several factors related to changes in the body during sleep and immediately after waking up. Major causes include:
- Dehydration : Not drinking enough fluids before bed or losing fluids overnight can reduce blood volume and cause dizziness upon waking. Alcohol, caffeine, or sweating during sleep can worsen dehydration.
- Low blood pressure (Orthostatic Hypotension) : When moving quickly from lying down to standing, blood pressure can temporarily drop, leading to dizziness as the brain receives less blood flow.
- Inner ear issues (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, BPPV) : Displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear can cause brief, intense dizziness or spinning sensations triggered by head movements, especially in the morning.
- Low blood sugar : Going too long without food overnight or having diabetes can cause low blood sugar in the morning, leading to dizziness and shakiness.
- Sleep apnea : Breathing interruptions during sleep can lower oxygen levels, causing dizziness and headaches upon waking.
- Medication side effects : Some medications for blood pressure, depression, or other conditions may cause dizziness in the morning.
In most cases, morning dizziness is temporary and manageable by adjusting hydration, diet, posture changes, or medication timing. However, persistent or severe dizziness should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions.
