Woke Up Feeling Dizzy
Sleeping is supposed to make you feel rested, but what could cause you to feel dizzy when you wake up? Dizziness can result from several causes, and it may be mild or severe. Regardless of the cause of your dizziness, you should visit your physical therapist if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.
This article explores the common causes of dizziness when you wake up, when you should see your therapist, and how balance therapy in Scottsdale can help. Kindly read along!
What Are The Causes Of Dizziness When You Wake Up?
If you feel dizziness whenever you wake up, it may be a result of any of the following;
Dehydration
Not drinking enough fluids, drinking too much caffeine, sleeping in a hot environment, and consuming too much alcohol can make you dehydrated and lead to dizziness when you wake up. You can also get dehydrated from taking diuretics and sweating a lot.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is an obstructive breathing condition that can temporarily stop breathing while you sleep. This breathing obstruction can lower your oxygen levels and make you dizzy when you wake up. You should see your doctor for sleep apnea if you experience symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping while sleeping, morning headaches, and concentration problems.
Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar can lead to dizziness when you wake up. You are likely to feel dizzy from low blood sugar if you have diabetes and take insulin. Also, if you don’t eat enough before bed, your blood sugar level may reduce, leading to dizziness upon waking up.
Medications
Some medications, such as antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, and blood pressure medications, may increase the risk of dizziness. If you feel dizzy as a side effect of your drug, you should inform your doctor. They may adjust your dose or change your medication.
Low Blood Pressure
Your sleeping position can affect your blood pressure when you wake up. For instance, sleeping on your side, belly, or back can cause blood to pool in your trunk. When you wake up, the blood rushes to your leg and abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, also known as orthostatic hypotension.
Vertigo
Your inner ears have canals that help you maintain balance. Damage to this canal can affect your balance and make you feel like the room is spinning when you wake up. If you stand up suddenly after waking up, you are most likely to experience dizziness from vertigo.
What Can Help Dizziness When You Wake Up?
If you feel dizziness when you wake up in the morning, the following can help you manage your symptoms and reduce their severity;
- Drink enough fluids during the day to stay hydrated
- Slowly get out of bed to maintain your blood pressure
- Use a breathing device to treat sleep apnea
- Limit alcoholic and caffeinated beverages
- Get enough sleep
- Eat a snack before bed to reduce your risk of low blood sugar when you wake up.
- Eat a balanced diet
When Should You See A Therapist For Dizziness When You Wake Up?
At-home remedies for dizziness when you wake up may only work for mild cases of dizziness. You should visit your physical therapist for dizziness if you experience accompanying symptoms such as;
- Sudden and severe headaches
- Fainting
- Double vision
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Hearing changes
- Breathing difficulties
How Can Physical Therapy Help With Early Morning Dizziness?
Physical therapy can help with rehabilitation and symptom management for early morning dizziness. Your therapist will perform tests to determine the cause of your dizziness and assess your fall risk. They will then create a customized care plan to help manage your symptoms and prevent a recurrence.
Because physical therapy involves a tailored treatment program, it offers benefits such as;
- Improved balance
- Improved strength and flexibility
- Improved function
- Reduced fall risk
Physical Therapy For Dizziness
Physical therapy uses vestibular rehabilitation to address your symptoms. Vestibular rehab Scottsdale helps to treat issues with your inner ears. Your physical therapist will recommend specialized exercises and maneuvers to address the cause of your dizziness and improve your balance.
Physical therapy maneuvers for dizziness include;
Brandt-Daroff Exercise
- Sit upright on the edge of a sofa or bed.
- Turn your head to the left at 45 degrees or as far as is comfortable.
- Lower the right side of your body while keeping your head in that position.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds or till your dizziness stops.
- Slowly return to the starting position and turn your head back to the center.
- Repeat the exercise on the other side.
Epley Maneuver
- Sit on the edge of a bed.
- Turn your head to the right at 45 degrees or as far as is comfortable.
- Quickly lie back until your shoulders are on the pillow.
- Maintain your position for 30 seconds after your dizziness subsides.
- Turn your head till it is 45 degrees to the left without lifting it.
- Maintain this position for 30 seconds.
- Turn your head and body another 90 degrees into the bed till you are lying on your left side.
- Maintain this position for 30 seconds.
- Slowly sit up.
- Repeat on the other side.
Foster Maneuver
- Kneel and place your hands on the floor.
- Tilt your head up and back. Wait for your dizziness to pass.
- Place your forehead on the floor and tuck your chin towards your knees.
- Turn your head by 45 degrees toward the affected ear to face your elbow.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds.
- Keep your head at 45 degrees and raise it until it is level with your back and shoulders.
- Hold the position for 30 seconds.
- Raise your head to the fully upright position.
Conclusion
Although you can manage dizziness symptoms at home, this will only work for mild cases. Your best bet for quality treatment is visiting your physical therapist at FYZICAL South Scottsdale. Your therapist will examine your symptoms and medical history to create a customized treatment plan. They will also monitor your progress and adjust the plan if necessary.