This may sometimes be accompanied by ringing in the ears or general weakness . The sensation usually disappears within a few seconds, but its recurrence may indicate problems with blood pressure or blood vessels .
When rising from a lying or sitting position, gravity temporarily pulls blood to the lower part of the body, into the veins of the legs and abdomen. To prevent oxygen deprivation to the brain, the blood vessels and heart must respond immediately: the vessels constrict, and the pulse quickens slightly to push the blood upwards.
This process is controlled by the autonomic nervous system , a part of the nervous system that operates automatically without conscious intervention. When its reaction slows down, the brain receives less oxygen for a fraction of a second, leading to dizziness, blurred vision, or weakness .
The main cause is orthostatic hypotension , a short-term drop in blood pressure when the body changes position. In a healthy person, blood pressure quickly returns to normal, but this mechanism sometimes fails in the following cases:
After lying down or sleeping for long periods, when the blood vessels are relaxed.
With dehydration or blood loss .
When taking diuretics, sedatives, or blood pressure-lowering medications .
Due to fatigue, poor diet, or low iron .
This type of dizziness is not related to problems with the inner ear or motor coordination , but rather occurs due to a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain. The sensation of dizziness also varies from person to person depending on the speed of the blood pressure response.
In some cases, dizziness is associated with a disorder in autonomic regulation or a low level of hemoglobin , which prevents the brain from receiving enough oxygen even with normal blood pressure.
Mild dizziness upon standing up suddenly is normal, but a doctor should be consulted if:
The dizziness was frequent.
Accompanied by fainting or falling .
This was accompanied by ringing in the ears, nausea, or a strong feeling of dizziness .
There was a sharp acceleration or decrease in the pulse .
These symptoms may indicate anemia, irregular heartbeat, adrenal gland disease, or neurological problems .
Simple ways to reduce the risk of dizziness
Getting up gradually : Sit on the bed and breathe deeply before standing up.
Drink plenty of water : Dehydration reduces the volume of circulating blood.
Do not skip meals : Low blood sugar increases weakness.
Blood pressure monitoring : If it is less than 100/60 mmHg, a doctor should be consulted.
Strengthening blood vessels : by walking, moderate physical activity, and contrast bathing.