Occasional Lightheadedness: 10 Potential Causes and What to Do About It
We’ve all experienced the unsettling feeling of lightheadedness at some point. But what causes occasional lightheadedness spells and should you be concerned? Here are 10 potential reasons you might feel dizzy or faint along with tips on addressing each one.
Low Blood Pressure
One of the main culprits of fleeting lightheadedness is having low blood pressure, also known as hypotension. About 15-30% of otherwise healthy adults have blood pressure in the low-normal range. When standing up quickly, blood pressure can decrease temporarily until the body adjusts, causing a head rush.
To avoid low blood pressure dizziness, get up slowly from sitting or lying down. Consider staying hydrated and increasing your daily salt and water intake, as low sodium levels can cause hypotension [1] ↗.
Dehydration
Feeling lightheaded can result from mild dehydration, which occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Even being 1-2% dehydrated has been shown to impair blood vessel function and decrease blood volume. [2] ↗
Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day. Aim for roughly half your body weight in ounces of water daily. Opt for water or low-sugar fluids over sugary, caffeinated beverages that can promote more dehydration.
Standing Up Too Fast
Orthostatic hypotension refers to a significant drop in blood pressure that occurs within three minutes of standing up from lying or sitting. It’s a common cause of lightheadedness in people of all ages. The body has a difficult time adjusting fluid levels quickly.
To prevent vasovagal reactions when changing positions, rise gradually from sitting or lying down. Strengthening your leg muscles with exercises also helps the body adapt faster to changes in elevation. [3] ↗
Blood Sugar Crash
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can cause temporary dizziness because the brain is deprived of its main fuel – glucose. This tends to happen to diabetics after taking too much insulin before or not eating enough. Lightheadedness is a common symptom.
Be sure to have a snack high in complex carbs and protein before exercising for non-diabetics. And diabetics should check blood sugar levels frequently and take quick-acting carbs at the first sign it is too low to prevent complications. [4] ↗
Inner Ear Issues
Problems in the inner ear, like a benign positional vertigo or inner ear infection, are leading causes of sudden lightheadedness and vertigo. The vestibular system detects head movement and orientation. When it malfunctions, it sends inaccurate signals to the brain.
See your doctor to rule out anything serious. In many cases, vestibular therapy exercises can rehab the inner ear and nervous system. Medication may help infection or inflammation. [5] ↗
Vasovagal Reaction
When faced with pain, stress, or medical procedures, some people experience a vasovagal reaction – an involuntary response where heart rate and blood pressure plummet rapidly, restricting blood flow. Symptoms include feeling faint, lightheaded, weak, and chilled.
To prevent vasovagal syncope, avoid prolonged standing in heat. Sit or lie down immediately if you suddenly feel symptoms coming on. Deep breathing through the nose can help reset the vagus nerve and get blood flowing again. [6] ↗](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vasovagal-syncope/symptoms-causes/syc-20350527))
Anemia
Anemia means your red blood cell count is too low to properly transport oxygen throughout the body. This commonly causes shortness of breath, fatigue, and lightheadedness due to low oxygen levels.
Get your iron, B12, and hemoglobin checked. Up iron intake through meat and vitamins if deficient. Treat underlying causes like bleeding, malabsorption issues, or heavy menstrual periods. [7] ↗
Medication Side Effects
Certain prescription drugs tied to lowering blood pressure like water pills (diuretics) or blood pressure meds can cause hypotension as a side effect. Oral contraceptives, antidepressants, painkillers and antihistamines are other examples.
Report any dizziness to your doctor. They may adjust medication dosage or even switch to an alternative to prevent lightheadedness. Don’t suddenly stop taking any prescribed medication. [8] ↗
Panic Attacks or Anxiety
A surge in stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline during panic attacks or anxiety episodes can temporarily raise heart rate, lower blood pressure, cause trembling and lightheadedness. Panic disorder especially is common to cause dizzy spells.
Deep breathing, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help manage anxiety and panic long term. Taking preventative measures like limiting caffeine intake and stressful situations can also reduce symptoms. [9] ↗
Pregnancy or Menopause
During pregnancy or menopause, hormone changes can negatively impact circulation and fluid retention. This increases risk of temporary hypotension when standing, or lightheadedness without dizziness. Symptoms are usually mild and don’t require treatment beyond observation.
Try not to stay standing or sitting upright for too long if pregnant. Stay hydrated and keep active during and after menopause. [10] ↗ See an OB-GYN about headache, vision changes or other alarming symptoms.
Don’t fret too much over the odd dizzy spell, as occasional lightheadedness is usually nothing serious. But do see your doctor to investigate if symptoms are frequent, severe or accompanied by other worrying signs. Paying attention to underlying factors can help manage or prevent most cases. With proper treatment, you’ll be back feeling steadier in no time!
