You get out of bed or off the couch… and suddenly, the room seems to spin, your vision blurs, or you have to grab onto something for a few seconds.
The good news is that this is very common. In many cases, it's simply caused by a temporary drop in blood pressure known as orthostatic hypotension (also called postural hypotension). Fortunately, it's usually not serious, and a few simple habits can often help prevent it.
However, it's not the only possible cause. Here's what may be behind these dizzy spells, and when it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional.
When you move quickly from lying down or sitting to standing, gravity causes some of your blood to pool in your legs.
Normally, your body adjusts within seconds. Your heart beats a little faster, and your blood vessels tighten to keep enough blood flowing to your brain.
Sometimes, though, your body reacts a little more slowly. As a result, your blood pressure drops briefly, your brain receives slightly less blood for a few moments, and you may feel lightheaded or weak. Although the sensation can be unpleasant, for most people it lasts less than 15 seconds.
Dizziness caused by a drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension) may include:
A temporary drop in blood pressure when standing is common, but several factors can make it more likely. Some of the most common include:
Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the leading causes. When you're dehydrated (ex.: after a night's sleep, a hot day, a stomach bug, or strenuous exercise), your blood volume decreases, making it easier for your blood pressure to drop.
Certain medications
Many medications can contribute to dizziness by lowering blood pressure, including certain medications for high blood pressure, diuretics, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and some medications used to treat Parkinson's disease.
Important: Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first speaking with your healthcare provider.
Large meals
Do you notice it happens mostly after eating? Digestion redirects more blood to your digestive system, which can temporarily lower blood pressure in some people.
If your dizziness occurs frequently, lasts longer than expected, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it could be related to another medical condition.
Infection or fever
An infection—especially one accompanied by fever, vomiting, or diarrhea—can lead to dehydration or a drop in blood pressure, increasing the likelihood of dizziness.
Inner ear disorders (vertigo)
If it feels as though the room is spinning around you, you may be experiencing vertigo rather than simple lightheadedness. This can be caused by an inner ear condition such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis, or another disorder that affects balance.
Anemia
When your body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin (anemia), your brain receives less oxygen. This can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath with activity, and dizziness, especially when standing up.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Low blood sugar can cause dizziness along with shaking, sweating, heart palpitations, or weakness. People living with diabetes are at higher risk, but it can also happen after skipping meals or fasting for an extended period.
Thyroid disorders
When your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism), or, less commonly, overactive (hyperthyroidism), it can affect your blood pressure, heart rate, and energy levels, which may contribute to feelings of lightheadedness.
Heart conditions
Certain heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat, heart failure, or heart valve disease, can prevent enough blood from reaching your brain when you stand up, leading to dizziness.
Neurological conditions
Conditions that affect the nervous system, such as Parkinson's disease or certain types of neuropathy, can interfere with the body's ability to regulate blood pressure when changing positions.
Migraines
Some people experience dizziness or vertigo as part of a migraine, even without a severe headache. These episodes can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
A few simple habits can make a big difference.
Take your time
Before standing up:
Tighten your leg muscles
Before standing, squeeze your thighs, cross your legs, or tighten your calf muscles for a few seconds. This helps push blood back toward your heart and brain.
Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water throughout the day helps maintain healthy blood volume, especially in hot weather or after exercise.
Avoid standing still for long periods
Standing without moving allows blood to pool in your legs. Walking around or moving your legs regularly helps improve circulation.
If it happens after meals...
Try eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of one large, heavy meal.
Although these episodes are often harmless, you should see a healthcare provider if:
If your dizziness is sudden, severe, or accompanied by neurological symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, double vision, or other stroke-like symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.
At any time, you can also use BonsAi, Bonjour-santé's free AI health assistant, to have your symptoms analysed. BonsAi can help you better understand what's happening and, if needed, assist you in finding a medical appointment.
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