Sleep is perhaps the most important part of our everyday life. It allows us time to think things through on a subconscious level, rest fully, detoxify and recharge ourselves for the next day ahead.
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We’re all probably aware that not getting enough sleep can lead to significant health problems, and of course we’re going to feel very tired. But could a lack of sleep cause dizziness?
The answer is yes, but it’s not the most common symptom. Lack of sleep can at times lead to a feeling of lightheadedness, which in turn can result in a feeling of dizziness.
But there’s lots more to know than just this, so we’ve written this handy guide to help you understand everything that surrounds dizziness and a lack of sleep.
Read on to learn more.
Lack Of Sleep And Dizziness
So, as we mentioned, dizziness can be a symptom of a lack of sleep, although it is not one of the most common symptoms when it comes to not getting enough shut eye.
In fact, there are lots of other symptoms that are far more common than a feeling of dizziness, so it’s important that we take a look at those symptoms in more detail.
You may experience the following:
Problems Focusing
A lack of sleep can make it much more difficult for you to focus and concentrate on things. This can have detrimental effects if you are in school or at work, and could get you into trouble over time.
Not only this, being unable to fully concentrate on important things such as driving, handling dangerous materials or sharp objects or working with food can actually be fatal.
In fact, some researchers have suggested that a lack of sleep can be more dangerous than drunk driving when it comes to getting behind the wheel. If you are ever sleep deprived, consider leaving the car at home.
Mood Swings
It’s very common for people with a lack of sleep to become extremely moody or irritable and experience rapid and extreme mood swings.
The frustration of not being able to function correctly and feeling overly fatigued and lead to mental health conditions, or worsen ones that are already present.
This can include anxiety and depression – which can be exacerbated for people if they are in stressful situations or are living with pregnancy.
Frequent Feelings Of Illness
Another very common symptom from a lack of sleep is the feeling of nausea or developing illnesses.
Many people who do not get enough shut eye may not realize it, but they are weakening their immune system which can make it simpler to contract the common cold or the flu.
As a result of this, people may frequently feel nauseous or have a heavy feeling in their head – which can also contribute to the feeling of dizziness, but the lack of sleep is not necessarily to blame.
It is merely the gateway to other conditions which can lead to the feeling of dizziness, and if you have already experienced a feeling of dizziness, then it will simply feel worse.
Weight Gain
Your normal appetite will be all over the place when you are dealing with sleep deprivation, and this can send your hunger feelings into overdrive. As a result, you may start to snack or eat more than usual.
This in turn can lead to weight gain and other conditions that increased weight and poor diet can come with. Not only this, if you have poor concentration and poor memory, you may not even remember the last time you ate, or what you ate.
This could mean adding an extra large meal on top of what you’ve eaten, and considering sleep can help you burn excess calories and recover from the day before, this can make matters worse.
Health Risks
Research shows that a lack of sleep can increase your risk of developing health conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease. This makes people who are already at risk in a much more dangerous position.
Lack Of Care
When you are deprived of sleep, things you used to care about may start to seem unimportant or you feel you are unable to carry them out. This can include things like hobbies, your work and even your sex life causing potential relationship problems.
What Can I Do About A Lack Of Sleep And Dizziness?
When it comes to dizziness, there are certain foods which have been suggested can help such as fruits, lean proteins, vegetables and nuts.
However, there’s no guarantee these will help you, so the only thing you can do to help your dizziness feeling is speak to your doctor and explain the symptoms, as it might be related to your sleep deprivation, or it might be something else.
Having said this though, here are some tips to try to help you get more sleep or deal with your insomnia.
Speak To A Doctor
First and foremost, you should speak with your doctor and get their expert advice on the next steps for you.
Try To Exercise More And Diet Right
Exercise can help to burn excess energy and dieting right along with this can help you feel better overall. It may also help with mental health conditions and improve negative feelings.
Stick To A Routine
We are creatures of habit and the more we stick to a routine, the more likely we are to follow it. Try to force yourself to go to bed at a set time and set an alarm in the morning.
Final Thoughts
A lack of sleep can lead to a feeling of dizziness but it’s not the most common symptom. If you are struggling with your sleep, speak with your doctor and see what steps you can take, including the ones above and perhaps medication.