Can Lack of Sleep Cause Dizziness? - Here Is What You Can Do About That Symptom

A lack of sleep can have a serious impact on the human body. Sleeping is a necessary function because it allows your mind and body to recover. If you do fail to get enough sleep, your body can suffer from symptoms such as dizziness and headaches.

To stop this from happening, we have explained the importance of sleep and the impact it has on you. On the unfortunate occasion that you do suffer from dizziness, we have recommended some ways of relieving your symptoms.

Why is sleep important?

Sleep is essential for maintaining health. Sleep helps you conserve energy. During sleep, your body functions at a lower level in order to preserve metabolism. As a result, you will have increased energy for the day ahead.

Sleep is also crucial for brain function. Your brain also needs sleep to transform your short-term memories into long-term memories. As a result, you will be able to keep these memories for years to come. In addition, your brain will need sleep for focus and cognition.

Surprisingly, there is also a connection between sleep and mental health. Studies have found that a lack of sleep may contribute to mental health problems, such as depression. This can also be responsible for a rise in anxiety.

Additionally, a good dose of sleep is beneficial for your heart. In fact, a lack of sleep can result in high blood pressure. This is because having a sufficient amount of sleep can cause your body to regulate its own blood pressure.

Yet another benefit of sleep is weight maintenance. Research has proven that a lack of sleep can result in you putting on weight. Sleep deprivation can cause a rise in ghrelin, a hormone that increases hunger, and a decrease in leptin, a hormone that stimulates the feeling of being full. Because of this imbalance, there is a risk of putting on weight when you are sleep-deprived.

Do you find yourself constantly getting colds? If so, this may be caused by a lack of sleep. Extended periods of sleep deprivation will impact your immune system. As a consequence, your body will be less capable of fighting germs. Your body creates immune cells and antibodies that can overpower germs.

Can a lack of sleep cause dizziness?

Yes, dizziness can be a symptom of sleep deprivation. Lightheadedness, however, is not the most common of symptoms. This dizziness may be caused because sleep is important to your brain functions. Consequently, if you do not get enough sleep, you may feel disoriented.

To cure this dizziness, the obvious cause is to get more sleep. There are other ways of alleviating this, such as taking plenty of rest and lying down whenever you are feeling lightheaded. Be sure to drink lots of drinks, primarily water, to stop yourself from becoming dehydrated. However, avoid alcoholic or coffee-based drinks.

What other symptoms are there?

When you are deprived of sleep, you will suffer from many unpleasant symptoms. These include headaches, lack of energy, changes in mood, absence of focus, and a deteriorated memory. It will likely take you longer to think, react, and remember things. To prevent these symptoms from occurring, be sure to get the recommended amount of sleep for your age.

How much sleep should a person get?

The amount of sleep a person needs per night will depend on their age. Roughly, the older you get, the less sleep your body will require. The following is the recommended amount of sleep you should receive for different age groups.

• Newborns: 14-17 hours
• Infants: 12-16 hours
• Toddlers: 11-14 hours
• Pre-school: 10-13 hours
• School-age children: 9-11 hours
• Teenagers: 8-10 hours
• Adults: 7-9 hours
• Adults over the age of 65: 7-8 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many questions surrounding sleep deprivation. To make your life easier, we have answered some of the most prevalent and prominent questions.

What should you eat when you feel dizzy?

When you feel dizzy, the prospect of eating might seem unappealing. However, it is still important for your body to consume vitamins and minerals. In fact, this might relieve your dizziness slightly. Accompanied by water, we recommend eating:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Nuts
• Lean protein

How do you prevent sleep deprivation?

Perhaps the most important and effective method of stopping sleep deprivation is to maintain a regular sleep schedule. To achieve this, try going to bed at roughly the same time every night. This will create a sense of consistency in your sleep schedule. Likewise, try to wake up at around the same time. This may seem difficult, but it will benefit you in the long run.

Avoid using your phone or another technological device for 30 minutes before you go to bed. The light from these devices can mess up your sleep schedule. This is because they inhibit your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that is necessary for you to sleep.

You should also avoid drinking coffee or alcohol a few hours before bed. The reason for this is that caffeine can impact the timing of your sleep, making it harder to stick to a consistent sleep schedule.

For the best sleeping conditions, go to bed in a dark room with a comfortable bed. This space should also be quiet to make sleep easier. Set this room to a comfortable temperature.

When should I visit a doctor for sleep deprivation?

If you are suffering from the symptoms of sleep deprivation and have been struggling to sleep for a few nights in a row, it is recommended that you visit a doctor. These trained medical professionals can give their expert opinions on how to treat and prevent this sleep deprivation.

Conclusion

Though it may not seem like it, sleep is an imperative part of your life. This is because your body needs sleep in order for multiple essential functions to be carried out.

Unfortunately, dizziness and lightheadedness are among the serious symptoms of sleep deprivation. Other symptoms can include headaches and a lack of attention. To steer clear of these symptoms, follow our guide for the advised amount of sleep you should receive.