Dizziness when getting up and going to bed: what's happening to your body?

You wake up in the morning, open your eyes, and as you get out of bed, everything starts spinning.

Or maybe at the end of the day, when you finally lie down to rest, you feel like the world around you is shaking.

These dizzy spells when getting up and lying down are not just annoying; they can also be worrying and dangerous. What if you fall and get injured, for example?

Let's explore some possible causes and, most importantly, how you can manage them.

The origin of dizziness when getting up and lying down

Dizziness when standing up

Your body is like a car. During the night, when you're asleep, everything runs at a slow and steady pace. But when you wake up, it's like you suddenly step on the accelerator.

This sudden change can cause your blood pressure to drop temporarily, leading to those uncomfortable dizziness moments. This condition is known as orthostatic hypotension.

Dizziness when lying down

Dizziness when lying down may be related to inner ear problems, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Remember that your inner ear is like your body's GPS. When something isn't right, it's easy to feel like the world around you is spinning, even when you're lying down.

Hormonal factors that influence dizziness

Hormones also play a crucial role in these dizziness.

In women, especially after age 40, hormonal problems upset the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body, affecting blood pressure and inner ear function.

Therefore, the ups and downs of estrogen and progesterone directly influence how these systems are regulated.

Can stress cause dizziness?

Of course you can. When you are stressed, you secrete a lot of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can cause dizziness when getting up and going to bed.

1. Blood vessels constrict, affecting blood flow to the brain, especially when you change position quickly.
2. Additionally, stress can interfere with the function of your inner ear, which is crucial to maintaining your balance.

Stress can also increase dehydration or lack of sleep, both of which are known to contribute to dizziness.

Strategies for managing dizziness when getting up and going to bed

Now that you know a little more about what might be causing this problem, here are some simple strategies you can try:

• Vitamin D: Strengthens your bones and muscles, which helps maintain balance. Get more vitamin D by getting 15 minutes of sun a day, eating foods rich in this vitamin, or taking vitamin D supplements (400 IU per day).
• Get up slowly : Give your body time to adjust to the change in position. Before getting out of bed, sit for a few seconds and then stand up slowly.
• Stay hydrated : Water is essential to keep your blood pressure stable. Make sure you drink enough throughout the day.
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption: Excessive caffeine can negatively affect the circulatory system and alcohol affects the cerebellum, responsible for balance, causing dizziness.
• Inner ear exercises : If you suspect that your dizziness when lying down is due to problems in your inner ear, certain exercises can help reposition small crystals in your ear that may be causing your vertigo.
• Anti-stress supplements: Combining magnesium glycinate, ashwagandha, B vitamins, glycine, among other nutrients, will give you a relaxing effect that could prevent dizziness. Serena brings them all together.

If dizziness persists, it's important to talk to your doctor. Tests may be needed to rule out more serious conditions.

Sources

Causes of dizziness + 5 natural ways to stop feeling dizzy

Menopause and dizziness: is it a symptom?

Romm, A. (2021). *Hormone Intelligence: The Complete Guide to Calming Hormone Chaos and Restoring Your Body's Natural Blueprint for Well-being*. Page 212.