Feeling dizzy when you stand up is often caused by a temporary drop in blood pressure. Your body usually adjusts quickly when you move from sitting or lying down to standing, but sometimes that adjustment takes a little longer.
An occasional brief episode may not be concerning. If it happens often, lasts more than a few seconds, or comes with other symptoms, it may be worth getting checked.
Why Does Standing Up Make Me Feel Dizzy?
When you stand, gravity causes some of your blood to move toward your legs. Your heart and blood vessels normally respond by keeping enough blood flowing to your brain.
If that response is delayed, your blood pressure can temporarily drop. This is sometimes called orthostatic or postural hypotension.
You may feel:
- Lightheaded
- Unsteady
- Weak
- Like your vision is dimming or going blurry
- Like you might faint
Symptoms often improve after sitting or lying down again.
Could I Be Dehydrated?
Yes. Dehydration is a common reason people become dizzy after standing.
You may become dehydrated after sweating heavily, exercising, being sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or simply not drinking enough fluids.
Dehydration reduces the amount of fluid circulating in your bloodstream, which can make it harder for your body to maintain blood pressure when you stand.
Can Not Eating Enough Cause Dizziness?
Going a long time without eating can sometimes make you feel weak, shaky, or lightheaded.
Low blood sugar may be more likely if you have diabetes, take certain medications, exercise without eating enough, or regularly skip meals.
Dizziness related to blood sugar may also come with sweating, hunger, trembling, or difficulty concentrating.
Could My Medication Be Causing It?
Some medications can contribute to dizziness or lower blood pressure.
These may include certain blood pressure medications, diuretics, heart medications, antidepressants, and other prescription drugs.
Do not stop taking prescribed medication on your own. If the dizziness started after beginning a new medication or changing a dose, talk to a healthcare professional.
Could Anemia Make Me Feel Dizzy?
It can.
Anemia happens when your blood does not carry enough oxygen around your body. Along with dizziness, you may notice unusual tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, headaches, or pale skin.
A healthcare provider may recommend blood tests if your symptoms suggest anemia or another underlying condition.
Why Does It Happen More Often in the Morning?
Some people notice dizziness most when getting out of bed.
You have been lying down for several hours, and you may also be mildly dehydrated after sleeping. Standing suddenly gives your circulatory system very little time to adjust.
Try sitting on the edge of the bed for a few moments before standing. Getting up gradually may reduce the sudden lightheaded feeling.
When Should I See a Doctor About Dizziness When Standing?
Consider getting checked if the dizziness:
- Happens frequently
- Is becoming more noticeable
- Causes you to lose your balance
- Started after a medication change
- Comes with unusual fatigue or weakness
- Makes you feel like you may faint
Recurring dizziness can have several possible causes, so finding the reason is more useful than simply trying to manage the symptom.
When Is Dizziness More Urgent?
Seek urgent medical attention if dizziness occurs with symptoms such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, confusion, or a very fast or irregular heartbeat.
These symptoms may require more immediate assessment.
How Can a Doctor Find Out What Is Causing It?
The first step may be as simple as reviewing your symptoms, medications, hydration, eating habits, and medical history.
Your blood pressure and heart rate may also be checked in different positions to see whether standing causes a significant change. Depending on your symptoms, further testing such as bloodwork may be recommended.
If you keep getting dizzy when you stand, especially if it is happening more often, a walk-in visit can help determine whether blood pressure changes, dehydration, medication effects, anemia, or another issue may be contributing. SanoMed Medical Clinic in downtown Toronto can assess recurring dizziness, review your medications and symptoms, check your vital signs, and determine whether additional testing or follow-up is needed.
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