$Unique_ID{BRK00164}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{Why Do You Get Dizzy When You Get Out of Bed in the Morning?}
$Subject{hypotension orthostatic dizzy}
$Volume{G-3}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Why Do You Get Dizzy When You Get Out of Bed in the Morning?


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QUESTION:  Lately (I'm 65, incidently), I seem to get dizzy when I get out of
bed in the morning.  Why?

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ANSWER:   Many older people suffer from a condition called orthostatic
hypotension, which causes the kinds of symptoms you are describing to me, and
this could be your problem, but a careful going over by your doctor is in
order.
     Orthostatic hypotension just means a quick lowering of the blood pressure
upon standing--certainly a reason to make you feel dizzy.  From 5% to 30% of
people over 65 have this disorder; many people have no symptoms or only a
slight dizziness upon rising.  Some actually black out or have suffered
fractures because of it.  The body normally adjusts the blood pressure when
rising, but sometimes the aging process that makes constant inroads on our
physiology makes this impossible.  A period of prolonged bed rest, poor
nutrition, exercise in excess, food and alcohol ingestion, heat exposure, plus
straining while defecating can all be additional causes of orthostatic
hypotension.  Another cause is drug related.  Many people are on drug
regimens, and some of these drugs can cause this quite quick lowering of the
blood pressure.  Some of the culprit drugs are antihypertensives,
antidepressants, and vasodilators.  Diabetes and any problems with the central
nervous system can also be at fault.  While your physician is completing his
examination, he will also ask many questions, such as:  is the dizziness
related to eating, exercising, time of day?  His treatment will focus on
correcting the underlying medical condition, which might be causing your
dizziness.  While he's treating any underlying condition, he will also tell
you things that can be done immediately to alleviate the dizziness, such as
elevating the head of the bed at night, calf flexing exercises, wearing fitted
support stockings, improving your nutrition.  Until you get your visit
scheduled, here are a few tips from me.  Get out of bed more slowly, by first
sitting erect, than waiting a bit before you put your legs over the side one
at a time.  Go slowly, there's plenty of time.  You might also try eating
small but frequent meals, stay away from alcohol and warm environments.  Some
people are helped with a bit of extra coffee or tea, since the caffeine may
have a beneficial effect.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
