Why You Feel Dizzy When You Stand Up

If you have ever stood up from a chair or gotten out of bed and suddenly felt dizzy, lightheaded, or “off balance,” you are not alone. This experience is very common in older adults. Up to 20% of people over age 65 experience some level of orthostatic hypotension.

It might feel like just a moment of dizziness, but it matters because it can lead to falls, which are one of the biggest safety risks for older adults.

What Orthostatic Happens

According to Harvard Health, the body has special pressure sensors that help regulate blood flow by telling the heart when to pump harder.

When you stand up, gravity pulls more blood toward the legs, which reduces the amount reaching the brain for a moment.

Normally, these sensors detect the change right away and signal the heart and blood vessels to push blood back upward.

As we get older, however, these sensors respond more slowly, so the body does not correct the drop in blood pressure quickly enough.

That delay is what causes the dizziness or lightheadedness many people feel when standing. The Risk of Falls Some of the common symptoms of orthostatic hypotension include dizziness, lightheadedness, blurry vision, and feeling weak or as if you are about to faint. Some people also experience headaches or a heavy sensation in the neck and shoulders. In more severe cases, a person may even briefly lose consciousness. These symptoms often appear within seconds of standing and can make it difficult to stay steady on your feet. The repercussions can be serious. The American Heart Association reports that orthostatic hypotension is linked to a higher risk of falling because the sudden loss of balance or faintness can cause someone to stumble or collapse before they have time to react.

Why Is It More Common in Older Adults?

There are a few reasons why this happens more with age:

Medications: Common blood pressure medications and diuretics (water pills) can sometimes lower blood pressure too much when standing. These are frequently used by older adults to treat heart disease or high blood pressure.

Chronic health conditions: Diabetes and Parkinson’s disease can affect the nerves that help regulate blood pressure

Dehydration: Many older adults drink less water during the day, which reduces blood volume What Older Adults and Caregivers Can Do to Help Reduce Symptoms

There are steps that can make orthostatic hypotension easier to manage.

Stay well hydrated. Older adults sometimes drink less water without realizing it, which can make symptoms worse. Drinking water regularly throughout the day helps maintain blood volume. Caregivers can gently remind or assist with hydration, especially in the morning when symptoms tend to be more noticeable.

Stand up slowly and with support. Instead of getting up quickly, pause for a moment on the edge of the bed or chair and move the legs or feet first. Pumping the ankles, flexing the toes, or lightly marching in place helps push blood upward before standing fully. Having a chair armrest, walker, or countertop nearby provides extra stability.

Review medications with a healthcare provider. Some medicines, especially blood pressure or fluid medications, may contribute to symptoms. A doctor or pharmacist can determine whether any adjustments are appropriate.

Avoid long periods of sitting or standing still. Changing position more often helps prevent blood from pooling in the legs. Caregivers can encourage gentle movement throughout the day or brief seated exercises for someone who has mobility challenges.

Stay cool and avoid overheating. Warmth causes blood vessels to widen, which can lead to a bigger drop in blood pressure when standing. Keeping showers warm rather than hot and staying in cooler environments can help reduce symptoms.

These can reduce the frequency and intensity of dizziness and help prevent falls. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional when the symptoms are severe and when it happens regularly.

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