Why Do Some People Feel Dizzy When They Stand Up Too Quickly?

 

Many of us have felt a quick wave of dizziness after we suddenly stood up from a sitting or lying position. Usually, the spinning sensation lasts only a few seconds but it can be quite unexpected or even frightening. Most of the time, this reaction is completely safe and is caused by the way the body adjusts blood pressure. However, if you experience the dizziness very often, it may be a sign that the circulatory system of the body finds it hard to cope with the changes.

What Happens Inside the Body

When you get up, gravity works suddenly to pull the blood down to the lower part of the body, especially the legs. Because of this, the amount of blood coming back to the heart and brain is reduced only for a short time.
To make up for the loss, the body instantly triggers multiple responses. For example, the heart will pump a few beats more rapidly, and the blood vessels will constrict to force blood circulation towards the brain. Ordinarily, this change is accomplished within a few seconds.

However, if the body's reaction is a bit slower than normal, the brain will receive a little less blood for a very short period. Even this brief moment of lowered blood supply may lead to lightheadedness or dizziness.

A Condition Known As Orthostatic Hypotension

Some doctors call this situation Orthostatic Hypotension. It is a drop in blood pressure that is significant enough to be noticed when one goes from a lying or sitting position to a standing one. This condition is also associated with dizziness or loss of balance upon a sudden change of posture.

Although mild cases are considered normal and without serious consequences, experiencing this more often or the condition worsening could result in the symptoms enumerated below.

• Blurred vision
• Weakness
• Feeling faint
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fainting, most severe and rare cases

Usually, the signs disappear when the body restores the blood supply to a normal state.

Reasons Behind the Onset of Dizziness Without Warning

There are many common factors that can cause an attack of dizziness upon standing up. For example:

Dehydration

If you do not drink enough water, your blood volume will be reduced and circulation changes will be slower.

Standing up too quickly

When you quickly change positions from lying down to standing, your body has less time to adjust your blood pressure.

Fatigue or poor sleep

When the body is tired, the nervous system might work slower.

Certain medications

Some medications for blood pressure may impact body's regulation of circulation.

Long periods of sitting or lying down

Being in one position for a long time can change blood flow temporarily.

When Should You Pay Attention?

Occasionally feeling dizzy after standing is normal and generally does not indicate a serious health issue. However, consulting a doctor may be warranted if:

• Dizziness occurs very often
• You feel like you are going to faint
• Episodes last longer than a few seconds
• Other symptoms are manifested such as chest pain or extreme tiredness

Health professional can measure blood pressure and assess circulation to decide if the patient would need more tests.

One subtle habit can help a lot

One of the very effective and simple habit that can help lower dizziness is to stand up very slowly. Giving the body a few seconds to adapt pressure changes and proper flow of blood to the brain, after from lying to sitting, and then to standing movements.

Small adjustments like keeping yourself well hydrated, and not making sudden movements can also lessen the frequency of these short dizzy spells.